Jitesh Sharma Reflects on His Unexpected Cricket Journey with AB de Villiers

In a recent podcast with AB de Villiers, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma opened up about his unexpected journey in cricket. From aspiring to join the Indian Air Force to becoming a key player in the IPL, Jitesh shared how a state initiative led him to cricket. He credited mentors like Pritam Gandhi and Dinesh Karthik for shaping his career and discussed the importance of self-belief and handling pressure. Discover more about his experiences with RCB and his approach to growth and learning in this engaging conversation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 13:35 IST

A Surprising Path to Cricket

Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter for India, recently shared insights about his extraordinary cricket journey during a heartfelt discussion with AB de Villiers, a legendary figure in the sport and an icon of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

In his appearance on de Villiers' podcast, Jitesh recounted his evolution from aspiring to join the Indian Air Force to becoming one of the most reliable finishers in the IPL, a transition that he described as entirely serendipitous.

The Accidental Cricketer

Sharma elaborated on how cricket was never part of his original plans. "As a child, I dreamed of a career in defense, captivated by the Army and Air Force. However, a state government initiative that awarded students extra marks for participating in sports led me and some friends to try out for school teams. When I noticed only one name under the wicketkeeper position, I decided to put on the gloves for the first time, and it felt instinctive," he shared.

Influential Mentors

Reflecting on the mentors who influenced his career, Jitesh acknowledged two key figures. "Pritam Gandhi, my local coach, was pivotal in my development. He encouraged me to adapt, especially since I came from a traditional red-ball cricket background. This guidance was crucial during my formative years. Later, I met Dinesh Karthik, who also significantly impacted my journey," he noted.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Discussing his strengths and areas for growth, Jitesh stated, "My greatest asset is my eagerness to learn and embrace new challenges. However, this can also be a drawback; at times, I push myself too hard, forgetting that there is a limit to how much I can improve in a skill. I need to recognize when to take a step back."

The RCB Experience

Much of the dialogue focused on Jitesh's experiences with RCB. He explained, "The franchise's faith in my abilities allowed my fighting spirit to thrive. Before joining RCB, I lacked the confidence that others believed in me. The management's encouragement made a significant difference; sometimes, just knowing that someone has your back can transform a player's mindset."

Handling Pressure Effectively

In his conversation with de Villiers, Sharma also shared his unique approach to managing pressure. "I strive to create memorable moments on the field. I visualize impactful innings while remaining grounded and focusing on my breathing. I constantly evaluate the scoreboard to understand the situation better," he explained.

He added, "Staying true to oneself is crucial in high-pressure scenarios. By concentrating on my strengths and the specific shots needed at any moment, I can alleviate the pressure naturally."