In a competitive IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals, Jitesh Sharma showed that every ball counts. With Rajasthan Royals taking control of the chase, it was Jitesh's presence of mind and alertness that mattered. When Dhruv Jurel seemed settled at the crease, Jitesh's timely intervention turned the match on its head. 

Although the wicket-keeper batter only contributed a brief batting cameo, his biggest impact came at the gate. In the second last over, with RR still in reach, he asked Captain Rajat Patidar to review a dismissal. The appeal did not seem strong after Jurel appeared to miss a wide yorker, but Jitesh was convinced. Upon review, UltraEdge did show a tiny spike off the batter's bottom edge, and Jurel was dismissed at a critical junction.

That wicket proved crucial, as Josh Hazlewood immediately followed up with the wicket of Jofra Archer shortly after. Jurel was handling the RCB bowlers comfortably, and in particular was being aggressive against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and was RR's last real hope. Sharma's demonstrated alertness made sure momentum turned back RCB, and eventually helped them win a critical match in this IPL 2025 at the Chinnaswamy.

BIG MOMENT!

What a review by #RCB as a well-set #DhruvJurel departs! 😳 First win at home loading for RCB? 👇✍🏻

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RCB win their first game on home ground

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated the Rajasthan Royals in an exciting encounter, winning by 11 runs, in match 42 of IPL 2025. RCB posted a huge total of 205/5, powered by Virat Kohli's explosive 70 off 42 and Devdutt Padikkal's quick 50 off 27 balls. Phil Salt and Tim David also chipped in with some runs, and Jitesh Sharma finished the innings off with a flourish, hitting an unbeaten 20 off 10 balls. Rajasthan's bowling was expensive, and beyond the two wickets (2/45) by Sandeep Sharma and 1 wicket (1/30) from Wanindu Hasaranga were unable to control RCB's scoring.

In its chase, the Rajasthan Royals started particularly well with Yashasvi Jaiswal clobbering 49 off 19 balls. However, wickets fell continuously, and RCB was able to slow the chase down. Dhruv Jurel looked like he would take them closer with a 47-run effort, but then Jitesh Sharma pulled off a smart review and took him out at a critical stage in the match — this moment shifted the game into RCB's hands. Josh Hazlewood put in a brilliant death overs performance, taking 4/34 and destroying RR's middle order. Krunal Pandya was also a key bowler for RCB, taking 2 wickets for just 12 runs.

Although RR made a late push, RCB had set the target to be too great, and RR finished the game at 194/9. Jitesh Sharma had great awareness in the match, and Josh Hazlewood had an exceptional end to his spell (and a great end to the game) to help RCB secure its first win at home. With this win, RCB have climbed to the third spot.