Jitesh Sharma RCB IPL 2025: On Confidence, Dinesh Karthik's Mentorship & Smart Cricket

Jitesh Sharma Opens Up On Confidence, Dinesh Karthik's Mentorship, and RCB's Smart Strategy Ahead of Crucial Clash Against Delhi Capitals

Introduction: RCB's Calm Mindset Meets Aggressive Cricket

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face the in-form Delhi Capitals (DC) at their fortress, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 10, 2025, their attacking wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has emerged as one of the most insightful voices from the camp. Known for his fearless approach and match-finishing abilities, Jitesh has now become a key figure in the RCB middle order. Ahead of this crucial clash, he spoke candidly about his mindset, his game-evolving partnership with Dinesh Karthik, and RCB’s smart and calculated approach to T20 cricket in IPL 2025.

Jitesh Sharma Reflects On Confidence And Practice Over Results

Fresh off a blistering 40* off 19 balls against Mumbai Indians, Jitesh Sharma has every reason to feel good about his form. But ask him about confidence, and he points away from runs or milestones. For Jitesh, real confidence comes from what happens long before the lights come on in practice.

"I am very confident by the way," he said with a smile, "but my confidence does not rely on the score. It always depends on my process and how I train in my practice."

That distinction between process and result is what differentiates good players from those who excel under pressure. Sharma made it clear that placing faith only in results is a gamble in a game like T20 cricket, where variables can shift dramatically.

He has found comfort in consistency not just in terms of performance, but in preparation. And this clarity of thought is becoming a cornerstone of his success for RCB.

Smart Cricket Over Blind Aggression – Inside RCB’s Tactical Gameplan

With the small boundaries and batting-friendly pitches of Chinnaswamy often tempting players into reckless shots, Sharma explained how RCB have resisted that urge with strategic planning and clarity of roles.

"I think we are playing very smart cricket," he explained. "It is not like we are just going out and whacking every bowler. We know everyone's strengths, and our batting lineup knows each other very well."

He detailed how the RCB management has clearly defined each player’s role, making it easier for batters to back themselves in specific scenarios. For Sharma, this means targeting certain bowlers while trusting his teammates to handle others.

This strategy reflects a matured approach in RCB’s 2025 campaign playing aggressively but not blindly, being fearless but not careless.

The Dinesh Karthik Factor – Mentoring A 360-Degree Player

A significant chapter in Jitesh Sharma’s evolution as a T20 cricketer is being written under the mentorship of Dinesh Karthik. Their off-season work together has been a revelation for Sharma, unlocking new dimensions in his batting.

"Shots I’m playing right now are a replica of the ones he used to play," Jitesh shared with pride.

More than just technique, Karthik has instilled a mindset shift in Sharma to play without fear of failure, to understand that mistakes are human, and that cricket is not rocket science but a game of adjustments.

"I was not mentally in the game last year. I was thinking too much about the future," Sharma admitted honestly. "But Dinesh bhai told me that it’s a human error, and it can happen to anyone."

Together, they worked on expanding his range, making Jitesh a true 360-degree player capable of dismantling attacks from anywhere. Now, when he pulls off audacious shots he once never tried, he feels joy not pressure.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar And Josh Hazlewood – Experience Meets Execution

In a season where high-scoring games have become common at Chinnaswamy, RCB's success with the ball has often hinged on their experienced pace duo Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.

"They are very experienced; there’s no need to tell them much," said Sharma, summing up their bowling brilliance with respect.

While Bhuvneshwar swings the ball early, Hazlewood's ability to hit hard lengths consistently has created challenges even on the flattest pitches. But beyond their skills, what stands out is their game awareness.

"It’s about understanding the requirements during the game and knowing how to bowl according to the situation," Sharma added.

This partnership has been pivotal in RCB's campaign, allowing them to control Powerplays and create pressure even on batting-friendly surfaces.

The Bigger Picture – Cricket Is More Than Just Runs

For Jitesh Sharma, cricket has now become less about chasing personal milestones and more about chasing wins. "I don’t have a craze to get runs, I have a craze to win the match," he declared, perhaps perfectly capturing his philosophy.

This attitude combining skill, strategy, and selflessness has made him one of the players to watch this season. And under the guidance of mentors like Dinesh Karthik and the strategic brains in the RCB camp, Jitesh Sharma’s story is only just beginning.

As RCB prepare to face a powerful Delhi Capitals team, his calm aggression and clarity of thought could once again prove to be the X-factor.