TOP STORIES

“DK has pulled me out of my comfort zone”: Jitesh Sharma

Friday, 25-Apr-2025
News

RCB wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma’s journey with the franchise over the past few months has been incredibly impressive. Since joining the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025, Jitesh has become an integral part of the team’s batting lineup, particularly in the middle order. His ability to execute the finisher’s role with finesse has earned him praise. Meanwhile, Jitesh has been vocal about the positive influence that former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and current mentor of RCB Dinesh Karthik has had on his game. And Jitesh acknowledged that Karthik’s mentorship has helped him settle well in RCB’s setup. 

"I think I've finally found someone I can truly work with - someone I can learn from, someone who matches my wavelength, and I match his. Someone who is just like me. And that someone is D.K. Anna (Dinesh Karthik). He is one of the biggest reasons I feel settled. He has played the same role for the Indian team and in the IPL too. I'm very comfortable talking to him. He understands my feelings and my game, and I understand what he's trying to convey. He has performed under pressure and knows what kind of risks are involved in key moments," Jitesh said on on JioHotstar.

Jitesh noted that under Karthik’s guidance, he has been able to develop a different approach to batting. 

"Earlier, I never had this kind of conversation with anyone because not many have succeeded while batting at number 6. And those who have, are playing for teams like the Chennai Super Kings or other big franchises. But now, I get to interact with DK daily. Being a wicketkeeper-batter himself, he understands me, and I understand what he expects. I've got more freedom here. I had it in my previous team too, but now I'm also learning new things and gaining insights I hadn't before," he said.

“DK has pulled me out of my comfort zone and into a new space I haven't been in before. I've always had certain shots in my arsenal, but I didn't believe in them. I never worked on them because previous coaches would say, ‘Go straight, play this way, play that way.' It's true that hitting sixes in the ‘V' is my strength, but I always wanted to learn more. My mindset is - if someone is teaching and I can add a new skill, why not? DK told me to use my natural hand movement and encouraged me to try it. They picked me for those abilities, so they saw something. DK saw something, and that's how things are evolving now. This is just the beginning," he stated. 

Tags

More News

News

Andre Russell reflects on best moment ahead of international retirement

17 hrs ago

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has announced his decision to retire from international cricket following the first two games of the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia. As he prepares to bid farewell to a remarkable career, Russell has singled out his innings in the semi-final of the 2016 T20 World Cup against India in Mumbai as his...


News

ZIM T20I tri-series: Zimbabwe eye victory amid downfall

19 hrs ago

Having already registered two defeats, Zimbabwe are in panic mode as they gear up to face South Africa in the fourth match of the ongoing T20I tri-series on Sunday in Harare. Both sides met in the series opener, where South Africa chased down Zimbabwe’s total to win by 5 wickets. Debutant Rubin Hermann propelled the Proteas’ innings with a fluent knock of 45, h...


News

WI vs AUS 1st T20I: All you need to know, head to head, playing XI

21 hrs ago

Attention shifts to the white ball as West Indies and Australia are set to face off in the first of a five-match T20I series on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica. Both teams would aim to kick off the proceedings on a high note to impose early dominance.

The West Indies will bank on veterans like Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Ho...


News

BAN vs PAK 1st T20I: All you need to know, head-to-head, playing XI

22 hrs ago

Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the opening T20I of their three-match series on Sunday at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. Bangladesh would hope to settle scores after their 0–3 whitewash to Pakistan earlier this year.

Both sides met each other earlier this year, with Pakistan securing a 3–0 series win over Bangladesh in Pakistan, up...


News

Former Indian cricketer warns India ahead of 4th Test

23 hrs ago

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has supported Indian batter Karun Nair, urging the Indian team management to continue backing the talented player despite his recent lean patch. Nair, who made his return to Indian Test side following an eight-year hiatus, hasn’t been able to repay the faith. In the first three matches since his return, Nair has managed low scores, not quit...