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Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was one of the few players for whom Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shell out more than Rs 10 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. More than a week after the mega auction, Jitesh revealed that he did not have much expectations going into the auction but wanted to get picked in a team where he could play freely and express himself.
Jitesh had as many as five franchises interested in him. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went toe-to-toe with RCB who had their last bid of Rs 7 crore. However, his former franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) chose to exercise the Right to Match (RTM) card. RCB increased the final bid to Rs 11 crore and were able to acquire his services.
"I wasn’t expecting anything from the auction. I was just hoping and praying to join a good team where I could play freely and express myself. I am incredibly grateful and thankful to God that I went to RCB—it feels like the perfect team for me," Jitesh told TOI.
RCB did not pick a prominent captaincy candidate in the auction. There have been reports that Virat Kohli may take over the reigns again. Jitesh is excited about the prospect of playing under Kohli.
"It will be great to play under Virat Kohli. I would love to play under him because he is so energetic and enthusiastic—it can push my limits. A person who is always involved in the game can inspire me to push my game further. think I’ll try to learn from Kohli’s consistency and how he has kept himself fit and motivated over all these years," said the 31-year-old.
Jitesh on Rs 11 crore price tag
Jitesh is not worried about the hefty price tag and just wants to repay RCB's faith in him with performances. The Vidarbha captain in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 is eager to hear fans chant RCB when he goes out to bat.
"Whatever price is on my head, it does not matter to me. I just want to play cricket, that’s it. It doesn’t add any pressure; it gives me a challenge and a thrill. It has given me confidence more than pressure, knowing that I am worth ₹11 crore. The fact that RCB has shown faith in me makes me confident and excited to play," he said.
"I am very excited to play in front of the fans because, right now, I am in Vizag, and I can see the loyalty and craziness of the fans towards RCB. When I go to bat, I see fans shouting, 'RCB, RCB, RCB!' I can feel their enthusiasm, madness, and loyalty towards RCB. It will be fun, and I am very excited and thrilled to play in front of them," the Maharashtra-born batter added.
Jitesh's IPL numbers
Jitesh did not have a good run in the previous season as he managed to score 187 runs from 12 innings at an average of 17. Overall, he has 730 runs at an average of 22.81 from 36 innings and a strike rate of 151.13. He is yet to score his maiden IPL half-century.
