Jitesh Sharma impressed everyone with a brilliant performance against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday, May 28, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) win a crucial match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a target of 228, RCB lost Virat Kohli in the 12th over with the score at 123. They still needed 105 runs from 52 balls and had six wickets left. Jitesh came in and played aggressively from the start, hitting the LSG bowlers all over the ground. He stayed not out with 85 runs off just 33 balls, including eight fours and six sixes. Thanks to his effort, RCB won the match by six wickets with eight balls remaining.
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RCB batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik called Jitesh Sharma a special player and shared that he has been training hard during the off-season. Karthik said Jitesh focused on staying calm while chasing big scores. The former India wicketkeeper also mentioned that Jitesh trusted his abilities and played an important role in helping RCB reach Qualifier 1.
“Jitesh Sharma is a special cricketer. He worked really hard in the off-season to learn how to chase big targets and stay calm,” Karthik said in a post-match chat with JioStar.
“Today showed how important it is to believe in your skills and trust the shots you’re confident with,” he said. “It’s also about performing well when it really matters.”
Sometimes Seniors Must Lead the Way, Says Karthik
Karthik said it was wonderful to see Jitesh take charge and help RCB win with a record run-chase. The 31-year-old scored his first IPL half-century in his 46th match.
“Sometimes, as a player and leader, you count on senior players to step up. Jitesh has played short, useful innings before, but today it was special to see him reach fifty—and even better, stay not out and finish the game for us,” Karthik said.
