Dinesh Karthik is one of the biggest reasons I feel settled at RCB; he understands my feelings and my game: Jitesh Sharma

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has opened up on his journey with the franchise and the help he has got from mentor Dinesh Karthik. The three-time IPL finalists are in the playoffs race in IPL 2025 as they have won five out of eight matches. However, the team is yet to crack the code at home, as they have won all the matches at away venues, losing all three home games so far.

Rajat Patidar and his men have their upcoming game against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 24 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This is an essential match for the visitors as they are on the border of elimination. Interestingly, RCB haven't won a single game at home ground this season and the visiting Royals team will keep that in mind as they look for a bounceback in the tournament.

Meanwhile, speaking on the eve of the encounter, Jitesh spoke highly of Karthik and mentioned that he learns a lot from the mentor. Jitesh stated that Karthik has helped him settle in the team and he is someone who understands his game well. The right-handed batter also opened up about the conversations he has had with Karthik about batting at a tricky No. 6 position. 

"I think I’ve finally found someone I can truly work with—someone I can learn from, someone who matches my wavelength, and I match his. Someone who is just like me. And that someone is DK Anna (Dinesh Karthik)," Jitesh told JioStar.

"He is one of the biggest reasons I feel settled. He has played the same role for the Indian team and in the IPL too. I’m very comfortable talking to him.  He understands my feelings and my game, and I understand what he’s trying to convey. He has performed under pressure and knows what kind of risks are involved in key moments," he said.

DK has pulled me out of my comfort zone: Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh credited Karthik for advising him whenever he feels stuck and pulling him out of his "comfort zone", adding that he keeps learning new things from him. 

"Earlier, I never had this kind of conversation with anyone because not many have succeeded while batting at number 6. And those who have, they usually play for teams like the Chennai Super Kings or other big franchises. But now, I get to interact with DK daily. Being a wicketkeeper-batter himself, he understands me, and I understand what he expects. I’ve got more freedom here. I had it in my previous team too, but now I’m also learning new things and gaining insights I hadn’t before.

“DK has pulled me out of my comfort zone and into a new space I haven’t been in before. I’ve always had certain shots in my arsenal, but I didn’t believe in them. I never worked on them because previous coaches would say, ‘Go straight, play this way, play that way.’ It’s true that hitting sixes in the ‘V’ is my strength, but I always wanted to learn more. My mindset is—if someone is teaching and I can add a new skill, why not? DK told me to use my natural hand movement and encouraged me to try. They picked me for those abilities, so they saw something. DK saw something, and that’s how things are evolving now. This is just the beginning,”