RCB Star Sends Massive Warning To Delhi Capitals Ahead Of IPL Clash: "Relying On..."

Jitesh Sharma attributed his ongoing renaissance as a T20 batter to the efforts put in by Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik who believes that the wicketkeeper can develop into a true '360' degree player. Jitesh had a lukewarm IPL 2024 for Punjab Kings, scoring just 187 runs from 14 matches at a measly average of 17 and at a reduced strike-rate of 131. But at RCB, the 31-year-old has already made handy 85 runs from four matches, and his strike-rate has touched 185, a sign of him regaining confidence. "It's been a great journey till now because in the off-season, I really worked hard with him. I think whichever shot that I am playing right now is the replica of what he used to play. He is trying to create a new player in me," said Jitesh on the eve of the match against Delhi Capitals.

Jitesh said Karthik, a former wicketkeeper batter for RCB, has a lot of trust in his abilities with the bat.

"He believes in me that I can play all around the circle — 360 angles. I am really enjoying myself in a new role. While I am playing those shots, I am very happy because I have never tried those shots and I have all the backing. The process is still on," he added.

The first thing Karthik drove into Jitesh's mind was that a lean season happens to every cricketer, and there is nothing to be disappointed about it.

"I think last year's performance was my mental thing. I was not mentally in the game at that moment. I was thinking about the future. But when I met Dinesh bhai, he told me that it's a human error. It's not rocket science," he said.

Perhaps, Jitesh was a worried man after losing his place in the Indian T20I side after the home series against Afghanistan in January 2024.

The Maharashtra man said Karthik identified