Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Jitesh Sharma recently shared insights into the positive impact of playing alongside Virat Kohli. The wicketkeeper-batter, who was roped in by RCB for a whopping sum of Rs 11 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, has contributed 128 runs from 11 innings this season. Jitesh Sharma talked about the learnings and game-changing tricks from Virat Kohli in IPL 2025 which helped him a lot.
Virat Kohli's advice which transformed Jitesh Sharma's game
“That person is full of energy. But he still knows how to play his game. Virat Kohli also told me that there are some occasions when you have the feeling that this will not be your day while your going to play a match. Somehow you have to manage your energy that day… while batting if you feel you’re not hitting the ball well, just come to zero again. Think about running hard, middling the ball… these small tricks he has taught me…calm your nerve ..take a decision,” Jitesh told Langer during an interaction with Mayanti Langer for the official RCB podcast.
Jitesh Sharma shared that Virat Kohli has been instrumental in guiding him on how to approach batting at number 5 or 6. According to the 31-year-old Kohli advised him to shift his mindset from merely trying to hit sixes to developing clear and strategic attacking plans. Moreover, Jitesh revealed a personal practice he adopts during the IPL season, he has to turn off his primary phone to avoid constant calls. He maintains only a secondary number active, strictly for close family contact. He explained that childhood friends frequently reach out, hoping he can arrange a meeting with Virat Kohli.
“People like you who come in the number of 5-6, they always think about hitting six. But with your intensity, you’re clear on how to attack. Think about shifting your focus. That’s the small things he’s told me,” he added.
“You won’t believe the amount of calls that I get. I switch off my phone for two days and there is a second number that only my wife and my family has where they can reach me. My childhood friends keep telling me, ‘Virat bhai se mila de (Make us meet Virat Kohli)’. I tell them that I have never clicked a photo with him, how will I get you one photo with him,” Jitesh further stated.
The IPL 2025 match between RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was unfortunately called off without a single ball being bowled due to persistent rain. Many fans had arrived at the stadium wearing white jerseys, intending to pay tribute to Virat Kohli's Test career. However, the inclement weather ultimately spoiled the event, leaving the disappointed fans without any cricket action.
RCB have already stormed into the IPL 2025 playoffs with as they are strongly placed at no.2 spot with 17 points in 12 matches. Rajat Patidar-led side will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23 at the Ekana Cricket stadium.