'He is trying to create a new player in me' - Jitesh Sharma credits Dinesh Karthik for T20 revival

Jitesh Sharma has been one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's most surprising packages in IPL 2025. Coming off a forgettable season with Punjab Kings in 2024, he has become a game-changing finisher for RCB. Jitesh has given due credit for his new 2.0 version to RCB’s mentor and former wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik.

In RCB's latest victory against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, the right-hand batter smashed a 19-ball 40* that eventually proved to be the difference in a narrow 12-run win. Jitesh, after the game, mentioned that his recent heroics are a combination of months of preparation and belief, inculcated during RCB’s high-performance camps in January and February, overseen by Karthik and head coach Andy Flower.

"I think last year's performance was my mental thing. I have told everyone about that because I was not mentally in the game at that moment. I was thinking about future things. When I went to Dinesh bhai, he told me that it's a human error. It's not rocket science. It doesn't happen to anyone. It happens to everyone. When he saw my batting, the way I bat, how I try to dominate - I am someone who always looks for the winning, I don't have the craze to get runs. I have a craze to win matches. I like that a lot. He found out that I am lacking in some shots. He found out that I am working on that," said Jitesh.," said Jitesh in a press conference.

It's been a great journey till now: Jitesh Sharma

Last year, the Amrawati-born struggled with form, managing just 187 runs at a strike rate of 131 across 14 matches. This season, however, he has turned out to be a completely different batter. He has already made impactful contributions in the lower-middle order and is striking at 192.07 in the death overs.

"It's been a great journey till now. Because in the off-season, I really worked hard with him [Karthik]. Whichever shot I am playing right now is a replica of what he used to play. He is trying to create me as [sic] a new player because he believes in me that I can play all around the 360 angles. I am really enjoying seeing myself in a new role. While I am playing those shots, I am very happy because I have never tried those shots. I am able to execute and all the backing he has for me. It's a wonderful journey. I am very excited still now," says Jitesh who adds that his confidence is reliant on how he practices," he added.