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Mumbai, April 7 – From being labelled a forgotten talent to becoming Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s ₹11 crore finisher, Jitesh Sharma’s IPL 2025 story is one of remarkable redemption. The wicket-keeper batter announced his comeback in style, smashing an unbeaten 40 off 21 balls in RCB’s high-octane total of 221 for 5 against Mumbai Indians at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The match saw RCB register their second-highest IPL total in Mumbai, courtesy of explosive knocks from Virat Kohli (67), Rajat Patidar (64), and Sharma, who played the perfect closer with his aggressive hitting at the death.
A Forgotten Talent Returns: Jitesh’s ₹11 Cr Journey
The story of Jitesh Sharma IPL 2025 is more than just a season highlight — it’s a tale of persistence. Once considered a white-ball domestic specialist, Sharma had drifted into the shadows after early IPL snubs and limited international chances.
- Born: October 22, 1993, Amravati, Maharashtra
- Domestic Team: Vidarbha
- IPL Debut: 2022 for Punjab Kings
- IPL 2025 Auction: Bought by RCB for ₹11.00 Cr
Before his explosive RCB debut, Sharma had played 43 IPL matches, scoring 775 runs with a strike rate that hinted at unfulfilled potential. But it was his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy resurgence that rekindled interest.
From Bench to Bengaluru: The IPL Path
Jitesh Sharma’s cricket journey began not with books but with a rebellious love for the outdoors. A self-proclaimed backbencher, he preferred cricket grounds over classrooms — a decision that shaped his destiny.
His early big break came in the 2012–13 Cooch Behar Trophy, where he amassed 537 runs in 12 innings. It paved the way to Vidarbha’s senior team and eventually a stint with Mumbai Indians in 2016 — although he never played a match that season.
- 2015–16 SMAT: 343 runs, 3rd highest in the tournament
- 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy: Leading run-scorer for Vidarbha (298 runs)
- Asian Games 2023: T20I debut for India, won gold
A Star Reborn in Red and Gold
In RCB’s crucial clash against MI, Sharma walked in at a tense moment, with pressure building and wickets tumbling. Partnering with Rajat Patidar, the duo added 79 runs in just 27 balls, accelerating the innings in the final overs.
- Jitesh Sharma IPL 2025 vs MI:
- 40 off 21 balls*
- Strike Rate: 190.48
- 4 boundaries, 2 sixes
- Unbeaten at the finish
RCB scored 70 runs in the last 5 overs, with Sharma’s composed aggression standing out. It was a performance that justified his high auction price and reaffirmed his status as a lower-order game-changer.
IPL Career So Far
- Matches: 44
- Runs: 815
- Average: 22.94
- Highest Score: 49*
- Sixes: 49 | Fours: 61
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
Despite being tagged as a lower-order hitter, Sharma’s career has steadily evolved. He’s now equally capable of opening the innings or finishing the game, as seen with Punjab Kings in 2023–24.
A Glimpse of What’s Next
RCB’s faith in Sharma appears to be paying off. With Virat Kohli back in rhythm, Rajat Patidar finding form, and Sharma anchoring the finish, RCB now boasts one of the most explosive batting cores in IPL 2025.
For Sharma, the season is far from over — but this knock might be the turning point that reshapes his national prospects too.
7 Key Moments That Defined Jitesh Sharma’s Comeback
- 2012 Cooch Behar Trophy breakthrough – 537 runs and 2 centuries.
- 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – Finished 3rd in overall runs.
- 2016 IPL draft to MI – No games, but gained elite exposure.
- 2021–22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – 19 sixes, most in the tournament.
- 2022 IPL debut for Punjab Kings – Breakout season as finisher.
- 2023 Asian Games gold medal – Official India debut.
- IPL 2025 comeback with RCB – 40* against MI, match-defining knock.
Jitesh Sharma – No Longer the Underdog
Once dismissed as just another domestic power-hitter, Jitesh Sharma has rewritten his narrative with grit, timing, and explosive strokeplay. His IPL 2025 comeback with RCB isn’t just a personal win — it’s a story of resilience, evolution, and redemption.
With big games ahead and RCB chasing their elusive IPL title, Sharma’s form could be the X-factor that defines Bengaluru’s campaign.
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