Early Career and Domestic Rise
Born on October 22, 1993 in Amravati, Maharashtra, Jitesh Sharma has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic wicketkeeper-batters. The right-hander first made waves in the 2012-13 Cooch Behar Trophy, scoring 537 runs with two centuries, which earned him a Vidarbha senior team call-up.
Domestic Career Highlights
- List A Debut: 2013-14 Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Breakthrough Season: 2015-16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (343 runs @ 143.51 SR)
- First-Class: 661 runs in 18 matches with 4 fifties
- List A: 1,533 runs at 32.61 with 2 centuries
IPL Journey: From Mumbai to Punjab to RCB
Mumbai Indians (2016-2017)
- Purchased for ₹10 lakh but didn’t get game time
- Spent crucial developmental years training with international stars
Punjab Kings (2022-2023)
- 2022: 234 runs @ 163.64 strike rate as finisher
- 2023: Career-best 309 runs @ 156.06 strike rate
- Became PBKS’ designated finisher and earned India call-up
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024-present)
- Adds firepower to RCB’s middle-order
- Provides wicketkeeping option alongside established stars
International Career
- T20I Debut: 2023 against Sri Lanka
- 9 T20Is: 100 runs @ 147.05 strike rate
- Known for his explosive cameos in death overs
Playing Style and Strengths
Batting:
- Aggressive right-handed batter
- Exceptional striker against pace and spin
- Career T20 strike rate of 150.42
- Specializes in finishing innings with big hits
Wicketkeeping:
- Safe hands with 85 catches and 17 stumpings in T20s
- Quick reflexes standing up to spinners
Key Attributes:
- Power-hitting in death overs
- Ability to accelerate from ball one
- Versatile middle-order option
Career Statistics (As of April 2025)
| Format | Matches | Runs (HS) | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 9 | 100 (35) | 14.28 | 147.05 | 0/0 |
| IPL | 42 | 742 (49*) | 22.48 | 151.73 | 0/0 |
| List A | 56 | 1,533 (107) | 32.61 | 81.97 | 2/8 |
| T20 | 128 | 2,637 (106) | 26.37 | 150.42 | 1/10 |
Future Prospects
At 31 years old, Jitesh brings:
✅ Proven IPL finishing ability
✅ Reliable wicketkeeping skills
✅ Experience mentoring young players
His role with RCB could see him:
- Anchor the middle-order in crunch situations
- Mentor emerging Indian keepers like Anuj Rawat
- Push for national team recall with strong performances
Conclusion
From being an uncapped player to an IPL mainstay, Jitesh Sharma’s journey exemplifies the value of persistence. His ability to change games in the death overs makes him a valuable asset for RCB as they chase their maiden IPL title. As he continues his career in Bengaluru, fans can expect more of his trademark explosive finishes.
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