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Former India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about the problems that defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore are facing as the race for the playoffs heats up.
RCB is currently placed second in the points table with 7 wins from 11 matches and the best net run rate in the league. Despite all this, there are some areas that need work and at times they have fallen a little apart.
Ashwin believes that despite things being good, RCB’s biggest concern is Jitesh Sharma’s poor form. RCB have supported their first-choice wicketkeeper in tough times, but he is not the only player to receive extended support from RCB in poor form.
Jitesh Sharma’s poor form in IPL 2026
Although he played a key role in RCB’s maiden IPL title win in 2025, Jitesh Sharma has had a tough time in 2026. In 11 matches, Jitesh batted in only 9 innings and scored just 82 runs.
The only worry for RCB according to R Ashwin? Jitesh Sharma’s form pic.twitter.com/hPqAJBUCMW
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 13 May 2026
Last year he had scored more runs than this in a match. His runs have come at an average of just 9.11 and a very un-Jitesh strike rate of 115.49. His highest score has been only 23 runs and not even a six has come off his bat. He has faced 71 balls this season, but has been able to hit only 6 fours and 5 sixes.
“Jitesh Sharma’s form is an issue for RCB: Ravichandran Ashwin”
Ashwin spoke to ESPN Cricinfo about what challenges RCB currently faces and whether there are any solutions to them.
“Look, RCB have an issue, which I think is Jitesh Sharma’s form. He was the current keeper-batsman for India and he has lost his place. Jitesh Sharma’s entry point is such that they don’t have too many options because everyone in the top four is scoring runs, including Patidar,” he said.
“They were very far behind in the game against LSG, and yet they were very close to beating them. I would say most teams, chasing 13/14 an over, would have been stumbling at that point at 100 for 4. And RCB was, and they still found a way to get as close as they did. And I think they are still a very good team,” he added.
“They have options. I think they can also consider options, if [Phil] The salt will not return. He still has some options to strengthen the bowling. Perhaps [Jacob] duffy [is] The seams are also coming to complement the attack. I don’t suggest they do that, but they’re sitting in a very pretty place right now.”
“I think they will win. If you look at the inside of RCB, what would they be saying to themselves? They won a title, they look like a strong team. To me, RCB is saying to themselves, ‘We are still trying to defend this title. Why really fix something that isn’t broken?’,” he added.
“Just get on with it, and if you don’t, you don’t. That happens in the IPL. But for now, give yourself the best chance [by] Not succumbing to pressure, because they are a really good team. They may consider the option of Jacob Duffy, which I still stand by, because their batting is performing well, you don’t need depth,” Ashwin concluded.
Also read: Jitesh Sharma ranks among the greatest finishers of IPL; MS Dhoni snubbed for top spot
RCB’s next match in IPL 2026
The defending champions will take on 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their next match. This match will be the last designated home match for RCB, but will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.
This match will take place on 13 May. Unlike KKR, RCB is in a good position to qualify for the playoffs. This will be another exciting match at New Raipur Stadium.
