Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma has opened up about his relationship with Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Preity Zinta ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026.
Jitesh Sharma’s journey in IPL is no less than an inspiration. Unlike many stars who shine early, the Vidarbha batsman slowly but steadily made his mark. Over time, he became one of the most reliable finishers in the league, especially for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
His calm approach in difficult moments helped RCB end their IPL title drought last year. Before becoming a part of RCB, Jitesh used to play for Punjab Kings. He spent three seasons with PBKS and became a reliable middle-order batsman and even served as vice-captain.
Also read: “Do not give them that much importance”: Jitesh Sharma trolled Pakistan, told an unheard story
Jitesh Sharma told about his special relationship with Preity Zinta
Ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026, which will begin on March 28 between RCB and SRH in Bengaluru, Jitesh shared that his bond with Preity Zinta was special. The Indian wicketkeeper said that the PBKS co-owner became like an elder sister to him and helped him off the field as well.
Jitesh Sharma said on Ranveer Allahabadia’s podcast, “I respect her (Preity Zinta) a lot. She personally messages me and also calls. I look at her like my elder sister. When I was in the IPL, somehow she came to know that I am from Himachal and she is also from Himachal. So, I used to talk to her for hours, have general discussions about everything. She is very sweet.”
PBKS played an important role in shaping the career of Jitesh Sharma
The RCB star also credited Punjab Kings for shaping his career. He further added, “And I think joining Punjab Kings was a life-changing moment for me. At that time there was only one bid from these guys, Punjab Kings. And I am very grateful for that, because whatever I am today is because of Punjab Kings.”
Jitesh also recalled how Preity Zinta personally reached out to him after PBKS failed to secure him in the mega auction, yet celebrated his success and asked him to make good investments. “They picked me; I got a chance after two matches and I performed. And in this auction too, they went for me… they used the right-to-match card for me for Rs 7 crore,” he said.
Also read: No Virat Kohli! Rajat Patidar reveals that Jitesh Sharma helped him the most during RCB captaincy
Elder sister-younger brother status: Jitesh on his relationship with Preity Zinta
He further added, “But RCB made a bid of Rs 11 crore, which they couldn’t match. After that, ma’am (Preity Zinta) called me and said, ‘I’m so sorry I couldn’t get you,’ meaning it was all at the elder-sister-younger-brother level. She wanted me to stay with them; I also wanted to… but she was very happy that I went for Rs 11 crore. She asked me to make a good investment.”
Notably, Jitesh was instrumental in helping RCB win their first IPL trophy last year, scoring 261 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 176.35. He was also the vice-captain of RCB and captained the franchise in some matches when Rajar Patidar was unavailable. He also played 16 T20I matches for India and was part of the 2025 Asia Cup-winning squad.