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? 👇✍🏻

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/QeXtGdMkYp#IPLonJioStar 👉 #RCBvRR | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/yTVZaev9Wi

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 24, 2025

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.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were in for a dramatic situation during their battle against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on April 7. The situation was in the 12th over when RCB bowlers had so far managed to keep MI under pressure during their challenging 222-run chase. Suryakumar Yadav, the destructive batter of MI, was not able to get going, scoring just a run-a-ball as the required rate rose steadily.

Drama came to a head when RCB's Yash Dayal and Jitesh Sharma got into a nasty collision while attempting a catch after Dayal's crafty slower ball was mistimed by Suryakumar in a slog attempt. The ball went high into the air, with an easy catch appearing certain. Dayal and wicketkeeper Sharma both went up for it, but with no audible call. Despite getting under the ball, Dayal couldn't hold on after Sharma crashed into him, causing the ball to pop out of his hands.

Whose catch was this, Jitesh Sharma or Yash Dayal? 👀 pic.twitter.com/KjwLu9tUrE

— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) April 7, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangaluru Match Highlights

Kohli’s Frustration and a Timely Breakthrough

RCB skipper Virat Kohli was visibly furious at the missed opportunity, throwing his cap to the ground in frustration. The group had already forfeited a similar opportunity earlier when Krunal Pandya lost the ball from view in the lights, awarding Yadav a boundary.

Also Read: “I Couldn't Crack IPL at First” – Kohli opens up on his Journey to greatness in IPL

But RCB did not have to wait for long for their redemption. Just a couple of balls later, Yadav tried another huge shot to complete the over on a high but once again fell short of timing. This time, Liam Livingstone, at long last, did not err, cutting Suryakumar's struggling innings short at 28 off 26 balls, including five boundaries.

Though they dropped it, RCB's ball discipline meant the missed opportunity did not cost them heavily, as they kept mounting pressure in the pivotal middle overs.

IPL 2025 has started with the highest of its opening high scores. Same as the contest repeated with the high score where CSK won the toss and chose to field first, but it seemed to backfire for captain Ruturaj where RCB went on to the flying start, despite losing early wickets they still started to climb up the ladder. It was no stopping for them and they scored at a good rate. 

Where Chennai too had their moments where Dhoni's glove work was spot on to bring the magic, Noor Ahmad and Khahleel provided the necessary breakthrough, even though the score poised up by drop catches by Csk players, there were too many. But a moment came when RCB wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma came in where he lodged his attack with one six and a four but got out soon. Then the DJ played the dosa song to mock the young wicketkeeper. 

Read More: Ms Dhoni stuns once again with his lightning-stumping against Phil Salt

What Jitesh Sharma Did

After the music was played by Dj it became a viral talk for what reason the song was played? It all started in the last season when RCB and CSK played their last game to qualify for the playoffs which was a must-win game for RCB. That time an incident happened that created the rift between two fan following. A video before the match went viral where RCB players were asked about what they think about Chennai people. 

Every player said good things and even passion for them too despite such huge rivalry but, when it was asked Jitesh Sharma mocked stating Dosa, Idly, Vada, and Sambar and singing south Indian songs which created a rift between the two fan sides. Today Jitesh got handedly where DJ tried to mock back story the player. 

They ain't holding back 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Hk7oxO4De3

— Suprvirat (@ishantraj51) March 25, 2025

The Payback Time

 Jitesh Sharma came in when RCB lost their 4 wickets at 145 and he too lauded some big hits and helped the scoreboard ticking, he scored 12 of6 balls at the strike rate of 200, but unfortunately attempting for another big hit he lost his wicket and while walking to his pavilion Dj tried to give a small payback for mocking Chennai crowd which happened that time. 

DJ playing 'Dosa, Sambhar, Chutney, Chutney' when Jitesh Sharma got out. pic.twitter.com/cTBde6hFB2

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 28, 2025

It's been said that this type of offbeat small intimation creates great hype between the two sides which intensifies the rivalry between the two sides. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) new player, Jitesh Sharma, has shared his admiration for Virat Kohli and his biggest IPL dream. In a chat with CricXtasy, the former Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter spoke about how much Kohli means to him and the game.  

Jitesh isn’t just a teammate; he’s a true fan of King Kohli. If the passion of RCB supporters the loud cheers, the posters, and the number 18 jerseys could turn into a player, it would be Jitesh Sharma. Every time he plays in red and black, he will carry the dreams of millions who want the same thing to see Virat Kohli finally lift his first IPL trophy.

"I still remember that six he hit against Pakistan in Australia. I dream of seeing a moment like that in the IPL a six like that, right in front of me. I want to dedicate IPL 2025 to him. I’ll give my best and do whatever I can. I want to play IPL 2025 for him," said Jitesh.

🚨 JITESH SHARMA MESSAGE TO RCB FANS 🚨

" 𝘏𝘪 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘑𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.. "

Jitesh is ready to do something special for @RCBTweets ❤️‍🔥🏟️#RCB #IPL2025 #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/GkPAIoMpvG

— ᴅᴋ (@coach_dk19) March 16, 2025

Jitesh made his T20I debut for India in 2023 and has played nine matches so far. He got the chance to play alongside Virat Kohli just once in a game against Afghanistan in Indore last year. While Jitesh got out without scoring, Kohli played a quick 29 off 16 balls, helping India win by six wickets. That match was special for Jitesh, as he felt a different kind of energy on the field. He shared how excited he is to experience that again while playing with Kohli for RCB in IPL 2025. He also praised Kohli for playing a big role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win.  

ALSO READ: KKR Signs Chetan Sakariya as Replacement for Injured Umran Malik

"I played one series with him, against Afghanistan. I saw his energy and the way he plays the game. So, I have a small idea of the mindset I need to have at RCB when I play alongside him. But I’m really excited because he was also one of the main reasons India won the 2024 T20 World Cup," Jitesh said.

Jitesh appreciates the hard work and dedication Kohli has put in to become one of the greatest cricketers in the world. From staying at his peak fitness to becoming India’s most dependable batter, earning the title of "Chase Master," and being compared to Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli has given everything to the game. Over the years, he has built a remarkable career, winning almost every major trophy in world cricket.

The 2025 IPL Mega Auction ended in Jeddah on November 24th and 25th. While all the teams moved on to rebuild their respective squads, they purchased several players for colossal sums of money. Following a tremendous two-day event that saw 577 participants go under the hammer, teams with increased player purses of INR 120 Crores made competent choices and built their squads to cater for their next three years' prospects.

But, certain purchases have resulted in the franchise breaking the bank to obtain its playability. However, these offers have left many wondering whether the price tag they provided is justified. That said, here are the top five pricey bids from the recent 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Venkatesh Iyer- INR 23.75 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kolkata Knight Riders spent a big bank on Venkatesh Iyer. The reigning champions repurchased their ace southpaw for a hefty INR 23.75 crore, making him the most expensive allrounder being acquired. Fans were taken aback when the Kolkata outfits agreed to pay Iyer such a high price. His paycheque last season was a decent INR 8 crores, which has increased significantly through the recently concluded 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

While it was understandable for KKR to repurchase a top-order batter from their title-winning side, the sum paid for Venky Iyer seemed to be exorbitant. In his IPL stint of 50 matches, he has made 1326 runs, averaging over 32 and scalped three wickets.

Jitesh Sharma- INR 11 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru purchased Jitesh Sharma at the recent Mega Auction. But the keeper could see himself being sold for a large sum, which was a shock for many. Given his decline in performance since last season, it was a surprise when RCB signed him for a whopping INR 11 crores. Several fans and reviewers have expressed reservations about Jitesh's high price.

However, given the franchise's new ideals and game plan of developing young players, Jitesh Sharma will likely be a worthwhile investment as a long-term wicketkeeper. However, it sparks much debate among fans and critics about whether the price tag is justified. He has scored 730 runs in 40 matches, with a fantastic strike rate of 151.14. 

Jofra Archer- INR 12.5 Crores (Rajasthan Royals)

Jofra Archer had a reunion stint in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The English speedster was initially excluded from the auction, but a few days before, he obtained his NOC (No Objection Certificate) and registered his name. At the auction, Rajasthan Royals purchased him for 12.5 crores. Archer has had several injuries throughout the years, and he could never produce some crucial spells for the Mumbai Indians. 

But now that RR has spent so much money on the ace speedster, it would be interesting to see the Englishman's homecoming performance. In 35 IPL appearances, he has taken 46 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Most Expensive Players from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Noor Ahmad- INR 10 Crores (Chennai Super Kings)

Noor Ahmad made his IPL debut for the Gujarat Titans in 2023 and was an instant success, taking 16 wickets in 13 games. Though his form slipped the previous season, he took just ten wickets in 10 games. And at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, the Chennai Super Kings signed him for a whopping ten crores, representing a 3233% salary increase. Interestingly, GT was on a basic salary of 30 lakhs.

Given Noor Ahmad's just a mere few appearances for his national team, the new price tag appears to be far too much. Interestingly, in IPL 2021, he was a nets bowler for CSK, which might be the key reason for having him onboard to the yellow side. In 23 IPL matches, he has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of eight.

Josh Hazlewood- INR 12.5 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Australian quickie, Josh Hazlewood, has had a reasonably strong position in the IPL, though he might not be the ideal pacemaker in the shortest format overseas. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have repurchased him for Rs 12.5 crore. Having already contributed to RCB's successful 2021 season, Hazlewood is expected to spearhead their speed assault again.

His demonstrated ability to generate bounce and movement will considerably improve RCB's fast bowling department. However, his lack of familiarity and poor stats might hurt the team's bowling mix, exposing it to be too expensive. His IPL record consists of him playing only 12 matches and scalping 12 wickets at an economy of 7.93.

Jitesh Sharma will make his IPL captaincy debut tomorrow afternoon as he leads the Punjab Kings in their final league game of IPL 2024 against the SunRisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. With the Punjab Kings already eliminated from the race to the playoffs, they will play for pride in this day/night fixture against SunRisers Hyderabad.

New captaincy knock at the door of PBKS

Sam Curran, who captained Punjab in IPL 2024 after Shikhar Dhawan’s injury, has returned to the UK for England’s upcoming 1201 series against Pakistan. Dhawan has not yet fully recovered, prompting the Kings to name a new skipper for their concluding match. PBKS announced Jitesh Sharma as their new captain for the match against SRH via an official media release. Notably, Jitesh represented Punjab in the captains’ shoot before the season started, but PBKS had previously denied that he was the official captain or vice-captain.

PBKS aim to spoil Sun Risers Hyderabad’s Top-2 finish hope

Jitesh Sharma’s debut as captain presents a chance for Punjab Kings to end their season on a high note, potentially spoiling SRH’s plans. While Punjab Kings have little to gain from a win, they can disrupt the Orange Army’s chances of securing a top-2 finish. SRH, currently with 15 points, need a win against PBKS to keep their hopes alive for qualifying for Qualifier 1.

See Also: How can RCB defeat CSK to enter the IPL 2024 Playoffs? Explained

A defeat would place SRH in the Eliminator, requiring them to win three consecutive matches to lift the trophy. It will be interesting to see which team emerges victorious tomorrow afternoon.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) performed below average in most IPL seasons. Despite being a formidable team, PBKS have often fallen short due to inconsistency, preventing them from winning their first IPL title. During the tournament’s auction season, the management made several fascinating and tactical acquisitions to improve their bowling and middle-order batting attack. With a new home stadium and a steady aim, Punjab Kings hope to reverse the tables and win their first title. So, here are the top four players on the PBKS roster to watch. 

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan will aim to change the team’s fortunes in the competition with his leadership and hitting. With his extensive experience, explosive batting prowess, and leadership abilities, Dhawan can lead the Punjab Kings to their first IPL victory. His ability to score regularly at the top of the order and his intelligent leadership can give much-needed stability and direction for Punjab’s season.

Also, his ability to handle pressure and provide consistent results makes him an invaluable asset to the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024. In his successful 217-match IPL career, he has scored 6616 runs, including 50 half-centuries and two centuries. 

Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, adds firepower and aggression to Punjab’s middle order by scoring early runs and changing the game’s tempo. Recently, he has been appointed as the vice-captain of the arsenal.

Sharma’s ability to accelerate the run rate in the middle overs and fuel the innings makes him an essential asset in the team’s quest for success in IPL 2024, where his explosive batting might turn matches in Punjab Kings’ favour. In his IPL stint, he has made 543 runs in 26 games, with an impressive strike rate of over 160. 

See Also: IPL 2024: Top 4 Royal Challengers Bengaluru players to be in focus

Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel was the most expensive Indian buy in the IPL 2024 auction. The Punjab paid a high price for his services, indicating the franchise’s confidence in his ability and prospective impact on the club. 

Harshal’s ability to confuse hitters with slower deliveries and pace changes makes him an effective T20 bowler. His slower balls, frequently disguised as conventional deliveries, can catch batters by surprise, leading to wickets or limiting scoring. In his IPL stint, he has scalped a commendable 111 wickets in 92 outings, with an economy of 8.59.

Rilee Rossouw

Rilee Rossouw is a South African left-handed batter renowned for his aggressive approach and ability to score rapidly. Rossouw’s extensive expertise in T20 cricket adds firepower to the team’s top order. His aggressive attitude and ability to dominate bowlers make him a great addition to the batting order.

Rossouw, a free-striking left-handed batsman with subcontinental-style wrists, has the potential to make a significant contribution to PBKS’ middle-order batting. In his brief IPL career, he scored 262 runs in 14 games with a strike rate above 140.

Former India player Parthiv Patel feels Jitesh Sharma is on the verge of sealing his place in India’s squad for the upcoming marquee event – T20 World Cup 2024. However, Jitesh Sharma is one of the two wicketkeeper-batters, with Sanju Samson being the other, in India’s 16-member squad for the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan as well. However, he was preferred over Sanju Samson for the first two games.

During a discussion on JioCinema, Patel added: “Yes, they are definitely doing that and the reason for that is the number of openers or top-order batters we have in the Indian team. There is a sort of traffic jam at the top because you have Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is injured, and Shubman Gill, who opened in the first match.”

The former India wicketkeeper-batter added: “So India’s option is probably to have a wicketkeeper who can bat down the order. If you have to bat down the order, you need a destructive batter. The way Jitesh Sharma is playing, he is a very good option and I feel his ticket to the World Cup has started getting printed slightly.”

SEE ALSO: “Mindset is the key, and you cannot be too conscious” – Axar Patel

Meanwhile, Parthiv Patel also added that Jitesh Sharma is the only middle-order wicketkeeper-batter option available for the Indian team as well. He again shared that the other contenders – Sanju Samson, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan – bat in the top order only. Parthiv Patel also lauded Jitesh Sharma for playing as per the demands of the situation in the first T20I against Afghanistan as well.

“The sample size is very small, but when he came to bat in the first T20I, he came before the 10th over. I feel he understood the situation very well and played according to that,” Aakash Chopra concluded. “He didn’t have to bat the way he usually does. He had to settle a little, keep the strike rate slightly low, and then play his shots. It means he showed another dimension as well, that he can also build an innings.”

In the earlier encounter, Matthew Wade won the toss and opted to field first. The Indian opening partnership reached a commendable 50 runs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal dominating the Australian bowlers. However, he departed after scoring 37 off 28 deliveries. Tanveer Sangha claimed the wicket of the other opener, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who managed a scrappy 32 off 28 balls. Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer failed to make an impact, giving Rinku Singh another opportunity to showcase his batting prowess.

Rinku played fluently, smashing the bowlers with ease. He raced to 46 off just 29 balls before falling victim to a brilliant delivery from Jason Behrendorff. Jitesh Sharma also exhibited intent, scoring a quick 35 off 19 balls before being dismissed by Ben Dwarshuis. India concluded their innings at 174-9.

See Also:Shane Bond Appointed as the New Head Coach of Paarl Royals

In response, Australia had a brisk start, thanks to a flourishing innings from Travis Head, who played shots at will and reached 31 off only 16 deliveries before falling to Axar Patel. Ravi Bishnoi dismissed Josh Philippe, putting India in a commanding position. Axar Patel continued his dominance, dismissing Aaron Hardie, and Australia found themselves in deep trouble.

Ben McDermott was also bowled, and his hard-fought 19 off 22 went in vain. In the end, Matthew Wade’s fine innings of 36 off 23 balls helped Australia cross the 150-run mark, but they ultimately lost the game by 20 runs. With this victory, India secured the T20I series with a 3-1 lead and one game to spare.

Sanju Samson copped a blow to his knee while fielding during the first T20I and was subsequently taken for scans. He was advised rest and rehabilitation by a specialist. Has hence been ruled out of the next two matches of the T20I series.

The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Wednesday named Jitesh Sharma as replacement for injured Sanju Samson. For the remainder of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Samson hurt his left knee while attempting to field a ball near the boundary ropes during Tuesday’s first T20I at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. “He was taken for scans and a specialist opinion this afternoon in Mumbai by the BCCI Medical Team and has been advised rest and rehabilitation,” BCCI said in the statement.

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: PAK trail by 42 runs

India name uncapped player as a replacement for injured Sanju Samson

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Jitesh Sharma as a replacement for Sanju Samson,” it further read. India will play the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Pune on January 5. India has a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Coming to the first game, debutant Shivam Mavi’s four-wicket haul and Axar Patel’s action-packed last over guided India to a 2-run win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series here at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.

Mavi was the star for India on his international debut, taking 4/22. Umran Malik (2/27) and Harshal Patel (2/41) also delivered timely breakthroughs to India. Samson was fielding near the ropes when he tried to dive and stop a boundary but had his left knee stuck in the soil. The wicketkeeper batter reportedly did not travel with the squad to Pune and remained in Mumbai for the scans.