Table of Contents

NEW DELHI: India’s young batting sensation Jitesh Sharma played a vital role in RCB’s maiden IPL title triumph earlier this year. In a candid conversation with Sports Yaari, he revealed insights into his magical season, including his mindset, key innings, and how he handled pressure moments that defined the tournament.

Creating the magic for RCB

Despite RCB featuring legends like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Shane Watson in the past, the team had never managed to win the IPL trophy. On being asked about his confidence and mindset going into the season, Jitesh Sharma said,

“I always think, if not me, then who? When you want to do something for someone else, magical things happen.”

He added that faith in preparation was central to his approach. “I was so confident because I had faith in my preparation. The way I was preparing, I felt very ready this year. When I was picked and the team showed me confidence, I was very grateful for that opportunity.”

Jitesh also explained how guidance from senior mentors shaped his focus. “After talking to Dinesh Bhaiya (Dinesh Karthik), I made up my mind that I want to do something magical, I want to do something for others. I decided that in the last IPL I will play for Virat Bhai and dedicate the victory to him. When you think for others, you do something different.”

Unforgettble night against LSG

Jitesh Sharma produced one of the defining moments of his career against Lucknow Super Giants, taking the game single-handedly with a scintillating 85 not out off just 33 balls. Chasing a mammoth total of 228, RCB were in a precarious position, and the odds seemed stacked against them.

He spoke about his approach during that innings, particularly against the bowlers like William O’Rourke, who he had targeted.

“There was a lot of planning. I could not even find weak points because every ball had to be hit. I was in my zone, trying to figure out how to take this game to the end. Dominate every over. Dominate. My target was ten runs per over, but sometimes it became fifteen, sometimes twenty. Mayank Bhai (Mayank Agarwal) was with me, so he was contributing too.”

Jitesh also reflected on the Digvesh Rathi no-ball that gave him another chance to continue his innings. “That moment was crazy. I remember thinking, ‘Today I survived, now I will finish it.’ It kept me mentally alive and focused on completing the chase,” he said.

Stepping up in the final

In the final at Ahmedabad, Jitesh once again stood up to the occasion, scoring a fiery 24 runs in just 10 balls that helped take RCB past the 180-run mark. Wickets were falling at regular intervals, and while many were hitting, no one could play a big innings.

Reflecting on that moment, Jitesh said, “That shot I played – I still don't understand what kind of shot it was. At the right time, around 10, I played a 24-run knock in one over, and the momentum shifted a bit.”

This quickfire burst proved crucial in giving RCB the momentum they needed and became a vital aspect of their eventual victory. Jitesh’s ability to deliver under pressure highlighted not just his talent, but also his mental toughness and maturity as a cricketer.