Jitesh Sharma Credits Karthik for IPL Success : IPL 2025: Jitesh Sharma Acknowledges Dinesh Karthik's Support in Embracing Natural Skills

New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) Royal Challengers Bengaluru's wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has expressed gratitude towards mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik for motivating him to embrace his inherent skills during the IPL 2025 season.

Jitesh was signed by RCB for Rs 11 crore in last year's auction after showcasing his talent with the Punjab Kings over the previous three seasons. His inclusion significantly enhances RCB's batting depth for the season, as he has already made notable contributions with quick runs during the death overs.

Reflecting on Karthik's impact on his approach, Jitesh recognized the former Indian wicketkeeper's role in his batting improvement.

“DK has pushed me beyond my comfort zone into uncharted territory. While I’ve always possessed certain shots, I lacked faith in them. I never honed those skills because past coaches advised me to concentrate on a more conventional style of play. Although hitting sixes in the ‘V’ is my strength, I yearn to expand my repertoire. My philosophy is - if someone is teaching me and I can acquire a new skill, then why not? DK encouraged me to utilize my natural hand movement and pushed me to experiment. They selected me for those abilities, indicating they recognized potential. DK saw something special, and that’s how my game is evolving. This is merely the beginning,” he stated during the JioHotstar series “Gen Bold”.

Jitesh also mentioned that Karthik's presence provides him a sense of stability within the franchise as the veteran resonates with his mentality.

“I believe I’ve finally found a mentor I can genuinely collaborate with - someone from whom I can learn and who aligns with my thinking. That person is D.K. Anna (Dinesh Karthik). He is a major reason I feel at home. He has fulfilled a similar role for the Indian team and in the IPL as well. I feel very at ease discussing matters with him. He understands my emotions and my gameplay, and I comprehend his expectations. He has thrived under pressure and is aware of the risks involved in critical moments,” the RCB wicketkeeper remarked.

“Previously, I didn’t engage in such discussions because few have succeeded batting at number 6. Those who have, usually play for franchises like the Chennai Super Kings or other prominent teams. However, now I communicate with DK daily. As a wicketkeeper-batter himself, he gets me, and I grasp what he anticipates. I enjoy greater freedom here. I had it in my last team too, but now I’m also being exposed to new insights and perspectives I hadn’t encountered before,” he added.

Regarding Rajat Patidar's leadership, Jitesh views achieving their first victory of the season at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a significant challenge, especially after the team has lost all three matches there thus far.

“Rajat is a very down-to-earth individual. He’s approachable - you wouldn’t even realize he’s the captain in the dressing room. It’s only on the field that you recognize his leadership. That’s just how he is - calm and composed in stressful situations. He can evaluate situations from various perspectives. As a wicketkeeper, whenever I consult him with suggestions, he responds immediately, inquiring about potential strategies if certain scenarios arise. This demonstrates his composure and control, which is a key factor in his current success. There’s still a major challenge ahead - achieving our first win at Chinnaswamy this season. However, the belief in our camp remains strong,” he said.

On the qualities of a successful T20 captain, Jitesh remarked, “I believe it’s essential to trust your instincts. The game progresses so rapidly that there’s hardly time to deliberate. Whatever decision comes to mind, you must support it. Your inner voice knows best, and having faith in that is crucial.”

RCB aims to overcome their home struggles when they face the Rajasthan Royals in Bengaluru on Thursday.