Speaking on a podcast hosted by former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, Jitesh traced his journey from manifesting dreams of joining the Indian Armed Forces to becoming one of the Indian Premier League\u2019s trusted finishers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jitesh revealed that his entry into cricket was purely accidental, driven by a state government incentive rather than ambition. \u201cGrowing up, cricket was never part of the plan. I always wanted to go into defence. I was very fascinated and fond of the Army, Air Force. It was a state government rule, offering students 25 extra marks for representing their state in sport, that nudged a few of my friends and me into attending school trials. Spotting only one name listed under the wicketkeeper column, I picked up the gloves on the spot. At that moment, I wore those gloves for the first time. And it came naturally to me,\u201d he recalled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the mentors who played a defining role in his development, the Indian cricketer credited local coach Pritam Gandhi and senior India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik for shaping both his mindset and skills.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think in the beginning, it was Pritam Gandhi, who was the local coach, who played a very big role in my life, because he was ahead of his time. He told me that I have to evolve. Because the place from where I belong it\u2019s a typical red ball cricket environment here. Elbow, shoulders, head and everything. That time was very crucial in my life, I feel. And after that, I met Dinesh Kartik. I think these two people played a huge role in my life.\u201d Jitesh recalled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking candidly about his strengths and weaknesses, Jitesh highlighted his constant desire to learn as both a virtue and a potential drawback. \u201cMy biggest strength is that I always ask for new things. I\u2019m always ready to learn. I\u2019m not stubborn about it. And that same quality is my weakness. Sometimes in the process of learning, I cross that line. Sometimes you should know that this is enough. You can do much better in this skill, also. Sometimes I push myself so much that I cross the line,\u201d added Jitesh Sharma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jitesh also spoke about his growth during his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he believes the management\u2019s backing unlocked his fighting instinct.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe fighting instinct was always there; it was the franchise\u2019s belief in me that gave it room to flourish. I had the skill, but before RCB, no one had faith in me. In RCB, the management spoke about it and showed belief. Sometimes, one statement that you can do and we\u2019ve got your back is enough for a cricketer. That changed everything,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jitesh also revealed the mindset that allows him to thrive under pressure in high-stakes situations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI always want to create something magical. I always visualise playing such innings in my life. I\u2019m that kind of person, but at the same time, I believe in staying present and focusing on my breathing. I look at the scoreboard and assess what\u2019s required and what\u2019s not. I keep calculating the situation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jitesh also revealed the mindset that allows him to thrive under pressure in high-stakes situations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jitesh was excluded from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad, and the batter will now play for the champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n