IPL 2026: Jitesh Sharma Aims To Build RCB Legacy In 2026 Season, Hints At Title Defence

Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma says last season's title has only made the squad more eager to build a lasting legacy. Speaking in Bengaluru on 3rd April 2026, he says the group wants to show that their first championship was not a one-off.

"This is not a one-year thing. We are here to dominate. I want to prove that what happened last season was not a one-off. " For Jitesh, the franchise's first title still feels deeply special and drives his preparation.

Reflecting on the title run, he says the impact of his own performances remains important. "Winning the first trophy for RCB was a magical feeling. The biggest satisfaction was knowing that I had contributed to it. That is a moment I will always be proud of. "

The

keeper-batter links that joy with a personal loss. He says the death of his father continues to shape his outlook. "When you lose your father, that void never really goes away. I am not trying to forget it. I want to carry that emotion with me and keep moving forward. "

Jitesh says it matters that his father saw two key milestones. "I am proud that my father saw me wear the India jersey and saw me lift the trophy for RCB. That means everything to me. " Those memories guide him into the new season.

Returning to the RCB setup after a difficult phase, he credits the Chinnaswamy Stadium environment for a reset. "When I walked back into Chinnaswamy and saw the red and blue again, I felt reborn. Being back in that environment made me feel like myself again. "

He highlights Dinesh Karthik's support over the past year. "A lot of the credit for my growth goes to DK 'anna'. He helped me understand my game better, use my strengths properly and improve mentally. " Karthik also advised a mental break during the tough period.

"DK asked me to take a break, put the bat away for a while and spend time with my family and friends. That helped me reset. " On his batting method, Jitesh says he now keeps his focus very simple in every situation.

"For me, it comes down to one thing: watch the ball. If you are present and watching the ball well, everything else takes care of itself. " He says he sees his cricketing role in more than one dimension within the current setup.

"I do not see myself only as a wicketkeeper now. I see myself as a finisher and a fielder as well. My job is to find a way into the team, whatever role that requires. " National ambitions, he adds, remain clear despite recent selection disappointments.

"Playing for India is still the ultimate goal. I felt I did my part, so I have no regrets. Now it is about staying ready and finding the next opportunity. " He says leadership responsibilities also help him perform at a higher level.

"I have always enjoyed leadership. When you lead, you stop thinking only about yourself and start thinking about how to bring out the best in others. That has always helped me grow. " He recalls similar clarity during last season's title clash.

Jitesh Reflects On His IPL Final Cameo

On his crucial 24 off 10 balls in the final, Jitesh says he only wanted impact. "My only thought in the final was to make a difference. I did not want to just survive the situation; I wanted to shift the game. "

He calls the closing stages of that match the most tense passage of their season. "The last over of the final felt like the longest six balls of my life. We wanted that moment so badly. " That experience now shapes his mindset as a defending champion.

Looking ahead, he expects stronger opposition across the league. "Teams will come harder at us this season, and that excites me. I enjoy that challenge. I want people to come hard at me, because I will come hard at them too. "