Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma recently talked about his professional relationship with Virat Kohli ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The batsman insisted that they focus on conversations about the game rather than joking around in the dressing room.
Both players were retained by the franchise following their historic title win during the 2025 season. They will begin their title defense when Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28.
I had never spoken to Virat Kohli before… – Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma admitted that his interactions with Virat Kohli were limited before joining the team. He expressed his desire to learn as much cricket knowledge as possible from the experienced batsman to improve his game. Kohli remains a key player in the franchise setup.
Jitesh Sharma said on Vimal Kumar’s YouTube channel, “I had to do something excellent for RCB and Virat Kohli sir. I had never interacted with him before the 2025 season, I took a photo with him when I was with Punjab Kings. I have only interacted with him about the game, he has a lot of knowledge.”
“If I can get even a drop of it that can make my career longer and better, why not? I’ve had meaningful conversations with him instead of just joking, and he’s advised me a lot of good things. I had a lot of respect for him rather than fear. What can I say about that guy? He’s a different energy altogether, like an aura.”
Jitesh Sharma’s match-winning innings in RCB IPL 2025 win
Jitesh Sharma played an important role during the last tournament. He stepped in as captain after Rajat Patidar was injured. Needing a win against Lucknow Super Giants to finish in the top two in the league stage, he guided the team to successfully chase the target of 228 runs after Rishabh Pant’s century.
He scored unbeaten 85 runs in 33 balls and won with eight balls to spare. His knock helped the franchise move closer to their final title, ending their 18-year wait for the trophy.
The Bengaluru-based franchise defeated Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Jitesh scored a crucial 24 runs off just 10 balls, which included two fours and as many sixes.
It was the best of my career for RCB, but… – Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma said that he does not consider it the biggest innings of his professional career. The wicketkeeper-batsman said he gives more importance to his domestic T20 debut performance for Vidarbha against Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
He said, “Not out is very important, sir. It was the best innings of my career for RCB, but my best innings was during my debut in SMAT against UP, where I scored 60. That innings is close to my heart because at the age of 21, I was playing against Praveen Kumar, RP Singh and Piyush Chawla.”
Also read: “Should I move forward or Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma” – Ravichandran Ashwin breaks silence on forced retirement
