“Never interacted with him…”: Jitesh Sharma opens up on bond with Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2026

“Never interacted with him…”: Jitesh Sharma opens up on bond with Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s wicketkeeper, Jitesh Sharma, recently opened up about his professional relationship with the legendary Virat Kohli as they gear up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The duo, who were part of the title-winning team in the 2025 season, have been retained by the franchise and are set to defend their crown under the leadership of Rajat Patidar.

Limited Interaction with Virat Kohli Before Joining RCB

Jitesh Sharma revealed that his interactions with Virat Kohli were minimal before joining the RCB squad. However, he expressed his eagerness to absorb as much cricketing knowledge as possible from the seasoned batter to enhance his own game. Kohli’s experience and expertise make him an invaluable asset to the team.

Sharma shared his thoughts on his interactions with Kohli on Vimal Kumar’s YouTube channel, emphasizing that their talks revolve around the game rather than casual banter. The young wicketkeeper praised Kohli’s vast knowledge and credited the skipper for sharing valuable insights and advice that have helped him grow as a player.

Match-Winning Contributions in RCB’s IPL 2025 Triumph

During the previous IPL season, Jitesh Sharma played a pivotal role in RCB’s title victory. Stepping in as captain in the absence of Rajat Patidar, Sharma led the team to a crucial win against Lucknow Super Giants, ensuring a top-two finish in the league stage. His unbeaten knock of 85 off just 33 deliveries helped the team chase down a challenging target of 228 runs and secure a spot in the playoffs.

In the final against Punjab Kings, Sharma’s quickfire 24 off 10 balls proved vital in RCB’s championship triumph. The young batter’s contributions with the bat were instrumental in ending the franchise’s 18-year wait for the coveted IPL trophy.

Reflecting on his performances, Jitesh Sharma acknowledged the significance of his innings for RCB but pointed out that his T20 debut for Vidarbha against Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy holds a special place in his heart. Sharma recalled his knock of 60 runs against a formidable bowling attack comprising Praveen Kumar, RP Singh, and Piyush Chawla, highlighting the importance of that innings in his career.

As the upcoming IPL season approaches, fans are eager to see how Jitesh Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to build on their professional relationship and contribute to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s quest for another title. With a strong foundation laid in the previous season, the duo’s partnership will be crucial in the team’s pursuit of success in the highly competitive T20 tournament.

Continued Success in IPL 2026

As Jitesh Sharma and Virat Kohli gear up for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, their partnership is expected to play a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign. With the experience gained from their title-winning season in 2025, both players are likely to bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the table.

Sharma’s ability to deliver in pressure situations, as evidenced by his match-winning performances in the previous season, will be crucial for RCB’s success. His aggressive batting style and composure under pressure make him a valuable asset in the team’s batting lineup. Coupled with Kohli’s leadership and cricketing acumen, the duo forms a formidable partnership that is poised to make significant contributions to the team.

Learning from Virat Kohli

While Jitesh Sharma has already made a name for himself with his performances on the field, he continues to look up to Virat Kohli as a mentor and guide. The opportunity to learn from one of the greatest batsmen in the world is invaluable for Sharma’s growth as a player. Kohli’s work ethic, commitment to excellence, and tactical acumen are qualities that Sharma aims to imbibe in his own game.

Sharma’s interactions with Kohli both on and off the field provide him with a unique insight into the mindset and approach of a seasoned professional. Their discussions about the game, strategy, and technique serve as a learning opportunity for Sharma, enabling him to refine his skills and adapt his game to different situations.

Setting Personal Goals

As Jitesh Sharma looks ahead to the IPL 2026 season, he is focused on setting personal goals to further enhance his performance on the field. While team success is paramount, Sharma also aims to improve his individual game and contribute consistently to RCB’s campaign.

One of Sharma’s key objectives is to establish himself as a versatile player who can adapt to various roles within the team. Whether it is anchoring the innings, accelerating the run rate, or providing stability in the middle order, Sharma seeks to be a dependable asset for RCB in any situation.

Conclusion

As Jitesh Sharma prepares to take the field alongside Virat Kohli in the upcoming IPL season, his journey from a promising young talent to a match-winner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru serves as an inspiration to budding cricketers. With a mentor like Kohli guiding him and a hunger for success driving him, Sharma is poised to make significant contributions to the team’s quest for another IPL title.

Fans eagerly await the on-field partnership between Sharma and Kohli, hoping to witness more memorable moments and match-winning performances from the duo in the IPL 2026 season. As the cricketing world gears up for another thrilling edition of the IPL, all eyes will be on Jitesh Sharma as he aims to carve out his place among the stars of the game.

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