IPL 2025: RCB's Jitesh Sharma Reveals Mentor Dinesh Karthik is Moulding Him Into New Player

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has credited Dinesh Karthik for his revival in T20 cricket, saying the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor and batting coach is "trying to create a new player in me."

Jitesh had a below par IPL 2024 for Punjab Kings, scoring just 187 runs from 14 matches at a strike-rate of 131. But at RCB, the 31-year-old has already added 85 runs in four innings with a strike-rate touching 185.

On Monday (April 7), the wicketkeeper-batter showcased his evolution with a blistering unbeaten 40 off 19 balls, powering RCB's death overs surge and playing a decisive role in their 12-run win. During the knock he showcased his ability as a 360 degree player, which he says is something the RCB mentor envisioned in him.

"It's been a great journey till now because in the off-season, I really worked hard with him. I think whichever shot that I am playing right now is the replica of what he used to play. He is trying to create a new player in me," Jitesh said on the eve of the match against Delhi Capitals.

"He believes in me that I can play all around the circle - 360 angles. I am really enjoying myself in a new role. While I am playing those shots, I am very happy because I have never tried those shots and I have all the backing. The process is still on."

The first thing Karthik tried to instill in Jitesh's mind was that a lean season happens to every cricketer, and there is nothing to be disappointed about it. One of the things that excites Jitesh the most is executing shots he once believed were beyond his range.

"I think last year's performance was my mental thing. I was not mentally in the game at that moment. I was thinking about the future. But when I met Dinesh bhai, he told me that it's a human error. It's not rocket science," he added.

"He saw how I try to dominate. I don't have the craze to take out runs, but I have the craze to win the match. I like that a lot. So, I think he found out that there are some shots that I am lacking and started working on that."