One of the main reasons I feel at home at RCB is Dinesh Karthik, who is aware of my emotions and my style of play: Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma, a batsman and wicketkeeper for the RCB, has talked candidly about his experience with the team and the support he received from coach Dinesh Karthik. The three-time IPL champions have won five of their last eight games, putting them in the running for the IPL 2025 playoffs. The squad has lost all three of its home games thus far and won all of their away games, therefore they haven’t yet figured out the home game.

On April 24, Rajat Patidar and his team will play the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The visitors are on the verge of elimination, therefore this game is crucial. It’s interesting to note that RCB has lost all of its home games this season. The visiting Royals club will bear that in mind as they try to recover in the tournament.

Speaking the night before the meeting, Jitesh praised Karthik and said he gains a lot of knowledge from the mentor. Karthik has helped him get settled in the team and is someone who knows his game well, according to Jitesh. The right-hander also talked candidly about his discussions with Karthik over batting at the challenging No. 6 spot.

“I believe I’ve at last found someone with whom I can really work, someone with whom I can learn, someone who gets me, and I get him. Someone who shares my characteristics. Jitesh told JioStar, “And that someone is DK Anna (Dinesh Karthik).”

“He is a major factor in my sense of security. He has performed the same function for both the Indian team and the IPL. I feel completely at ease conversing with him. I understand what he’s trying to say, and he understands my feelings and my game. He has demonstrated his ability to operate under pressure and is aware of the risks associated in pivotal situations,” he stated.

Jitesh Sharma: Dinesh Karthik has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone.

Jitesh said he keeps learning new things from Karthik, who he credits with helping him out of his “comfort zone” and offering advice whenever he feels stuck.

“Because so few people have been successful at number six, I never had this kind of conversation with anyone before. And those that have typically play for major franchises or teams like the Chennai Super Kings. Now, though, I get to talk to DK every day. He understands me because he is a wicketkeeper-batter himself, and I know what he anticipates. Here, I have more freedom. I also had it on my former team, but I’m learning new things and getting new perspectives today.

“DK has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and into an unfamiliar environment. Certain photos have always been in my arsenal, but I didn’t think they were real. Previous instructors would tell me to “go straight, play this way, play that way,” therefore I never worked on them. Although I’m good at hitting sixes in the ‘V,’ I’ve always wanted to learn more. I think that if I can teach a new skill and someone else is teaching, why not? DK prompted me to try using my natural hand movement. They saw something in me since they chose me for those skills. Things are now changing because of what DK saw. This is only the start.