Jitesh Sharma made a strong impact in his return to the Indian side during the third T20I against Australia, where he acknowledged former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Dinesh Karthik for his guidance. Although he was part of India’s Asia Cup 2025-winning squad, he did not feature in any game and also sat out the first two T20Is in Australia.

However, once given the chance, he proved his worth immediately. India were chasing 187, and Jitesh came in at number seven to play a crucial, unbeaten cameo of 22 runs from 13 balls, including three boundaries, striking at 169.23. One of the highlights of his knock was the scoop shot, a stroke he recently added to his batting range.

He said :
“When I got to know I was playing the next match, I was very excited because I was playing a game after many days. I was trying to stay as calm and composed as possible and do things in my control. Special thanks to Dinesh Karthik because he has worked a lot with me. That’s why I was comfortable playing those shots. I just tried to show that I have come to dominate. I am a new batter and it is my first match of the series, does not mean I will take time. I showed good intent, a nd it made the run chase easy.”

Role In RCB’s First-Ever IPL Title Win
Jitesh Sharma’s confidence and improvement are deeply connected to his successful stint with RCB in IPL 2025. The team lifted their maiden title that season, and Jitesh was among the standout performers.

Under the mentorship of Dinesh Karthik, who now serves as RCB’s batting coach, Jitesh reshaped his approach as a finisher. He scored 261 runs across 11 innings at an impressive average of 37.28 and a blazing strike rate of 176.35. Karthik’s experience and tactical inputs helped him expand his range of shots and become a more fearless middle-order batter.

Career-Defining Knock Against LSG
One of Jitesh’s most memorable performances came against the Lucknow Super Giants in the final league match of IPL 2025. In a high-pressure chase of 228, he played a breathtaking innings of 85 runs off just 33 balls, hitting eight fours and six sixes. His explosive display helped RCB secure a top-two finish, which later proved crucial in their title journey.

With momentum from that win, RCB went on to triumph in Qualifier 1 and eventually clinch the IPL trophy. Jitesh’s growth as a player, backed by Karthik’s mentorship, has now started reflecting on the international stage as well, making him a valuable asset in India’s T20 setup.