Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu suggested that Jitesh Sharma needs to stop batting as if he has something to prove every time he walks out and instead stick to the basics. His comments come as the wicketkeeper-batsman continues to struggle for form ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on Wednesday 13 May.
“Jitesh, I feel he goes there all the time wanting to prove a point. Maybe he just needs to sit back a bit and play to his strengths, bat till the end and capitalize on those last two or three overs on a pitch like this. So it’s not all doom and gloom for their batting order, but there are definitely areas they need to improve on,” said Rayudu.
Jitesh has endured a disappointing campaign so far, scoring just 82 runs in the 11 matches he has appeared in. While his wicket-taking remains a valuable asset, he has also shown in the past that he can contribute to winning matches with the bat, including helping RCB pull off dramatic come-from-behind victories as seen against Lucknow Super Giants last season.
WHY IS JITESH SHARMA UNDER FIRE?
Jitesh has yet to make a significant impact this season and also came under fire for comments he made earlier in the campaign.
In a podcast with AB de Villiers, Jitesh said that he sometimes hoped for a top-order collapse so that he could step in and help decide the match.
“You won’t believe it, I always pray to God that my top order collapses so I can go and score,” de Villiers said.
“I see it as an opportunity to be a hero. I always visualize shifts like this in my life. That’s the kind of person I am. I’ve always wanted to do something magical. Being present, focusing on my breath, reading the scoreboard, understanding what’s needed and what’s not, and doing those calculations helps me handle the pressure.”
RCB PLAY-OFF HOPE
The Rajat Patidar party continued the consistency that brought the franchise the long-awaited first IPL title last season.
A win against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday would put RCB firmly in the play-offs, although one more win would likely be needed to guarantee a top-four finish, with 18 points considered a safer qualification mark compared to 16. Only Mumbai Indians advanced with 16 points last season.
RCB currently have 14 points from seven wins in 11 matches and boast the best clean sheet pace among the teams still in contention. After the clash, KKR will finish their league campaign against Punjab Kings and SunRisers Hyderabad.
The defending champions will be hoping that Jitesh rediscovers his touch with the bat as they look to secure a place in the play-offs and strengthen their title defence.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
13 May 2026 15:43 IST
