Ravichandran Ashwin Raises Concerns Over Jitesh Sharma’s Form Ahead of RCB vs KKR

Analyzing the Defending Champions’ Campaign

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have once again established themselves as a formidable force in the Indian Premier League. Currently sitting comfortably in second place on the points table with seven victories from eleven matches, they boast the best net run rate in the tournament. However, even with such a dominant standing, the path to back-to-back titles is never without its hurdles. Former India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the delicate balance of the RCB squad, identifying a specific concern that could impact their momentum as the business end of the season approaches.

The Jitesh Sharma Conundrum

Despite the overall success of the team, the individual form of wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has become a topic of significant discussion. Having played a pivotal role in RCB’s historic 2025 title triumph, Jitesh has found the 2026 season to be a grueling test of character. The statistics paint a concerning picture: in 11 matches, Jitesh has managed just 82 runs across 9 innings. His average sits at a meager 9.11, accompanied by an uncharacteristic strike rate of 115.49. With a highest score of only 23, his contribution to the middle order has waned significantly.

Ashwin, in a recent analysis, noted that while RCB has shown immense faith in their first-choice wicketkeeper, the lack of output is hard to ignore. ‘Look, RCB have one issue, which I think is Jitesh Sharma’s form,’ Ashwin remarked. ‘He was an incumbent keeper-batsman for India, and he’s lost his place. The entry point of Jitesh Sharma is something that they don’t have too many choices with, because everyone in the top four is scoring runs, including Patidar.’

Resilience in the Face of Pressure

Despite the individual struggle of one key player, Ashwin is quick to laud the collective resilience of the RCB unit. He highlighted their recent encounter against Lucknow Super Giants, where the team managed to push the opposition to the brink despite being in a difficult position early in the chase. ‘They were so far behind the game against LSG, and yet they were so close from knocking that off,’ Ashwin observed. ‘Most teams, 100 for 4 chasing 13 or 14 an over, would be reeling at that point of time. RCB found a way to get as close as they did. They are still a very good side.’

Strategic Options Moving Forward

Looking ahead, Ashwin suggests that while the batting unit is functioning well, the team management might consider minor adjustments to their bowling depth. He floated the idea of bringing in Jacob Duffy to supplement the seam attack, particularly if the current lineup feels the need for more variety. However, Ashwin also advised caution against over-tinkering with a winning formula.

‘They’ve got options. I think they can also mull around the option of Jacob Duffy to supplement the seam attack. I don’t necessarily suggest they do that, but they are sitting in a very, very pretty place at this point of time,’ he explained. He believes the team’s internal philosophy should remain steady: ‘We are still a great shout to try and defend this title. Why really fix something that isn’t broken?’

Heading into the KKR Clash

The defending champions are now preparing for a high-stakes clash against the 2024 champions, the Kolkata Knight Riders. Scheduled for May 13th at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, this match represents a critical juncture for both franchises. While RCB sits in a strong position for the playoffs, KKR will be fighting to keep their own hopes alive. As the tournament enters its final phases, the performance of key individuals like Jitesh Sharma, coupled with the tactical decisions made by the RCB leadership, will likely determine if they can successfully defend their crown in this year’s edition of the IPL.