NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma emerged as a force to reckon with in his first season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, making a significant impact as RCB ended their 18-year wait for the elusive trophy.

Jitesh played a crucial cameo in the final against Punjab Kings, scoring 24 off just 10 balls, which helped RCB post a competitive 190/9. His late flourish proved vital as Bengaluru went on to clinch a thrilling six-run victory.

Speaking exclusively to Sports Yaari, Jitesh opened up about the transition from Punjab Kings to RCB, and how veteran wicketkeeper and mentor Dinesh Karthik became a guiding force in his development - both as a player and as a person.

"When I was with Punjab Kings, that season wasn't particularly great for me," Jitesh admitted. "There was also pressure because of the T20 World Cup selection talks. But when I moved to RCB, things changed. Virat Bhai and I didn't have much communication initially. I was fully connected with DK Bhai - DK Anna."

According to Jitesh, Karthik's mentorship went beyond cricketing skills. It was about mindset, discipline, and self-awareness.

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"I think he played the biggest role in my transition - in my mentality and in my skills," Jitesh said. "He liked one thing about me - that I accept when I'm wrong. I have the courage to say, 'You're wrong, I don't like this,' when I feel so. That honesty helped us connect deeply."

The bond between the two went far beyond match days.

"I mostly didn't discuss much with other players, to be honest," Jitesh revealed. "I spent most of my time with DK Anna - having tea, coffee, or just chatting on the ground. If he said stop batting, I would stop. If he said get up, I would get up. That's how much respect I have for him. He was my mentor - no doubt about it."