Jitesh Sharma never planned to be a cricketer. Born and raised in Amravati, Maharashtra, his real goal was to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army through the NDA. But life had different plans. Today, Jitesh bats fearlessly for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, smashing bowlers with confidence. His 85 off just 33 balls against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 helped RCB pull off one of the biggest chases in IPL history.
So how did a boy with military dreams become one of the most talked-about batters in the Indian Premier League?
He Played Cricket for Extra Marks
While studying in school, Jitesh learned that the Maharashtra State Board gave 4% extra marks in Class 12 to students who played at the state level. With NDA cut-offs being high, this small percentage could make a big difference. On his friend’s advice, he went for a trial just to get those marks.
He didn’t know which role to choose — batsman, bowler or wicketkeeper. When he saw that the wicketkeeping list had only three names, he picked that spot just to avoid competition. That decision unknowingly changed his life.
Started Learning Cricket Through YouTube
Jitesh didn’t have the luxury of high-profile coaching. Once he began taking cricket seriously, he started learning techniques by watching YouTube videos. He observed batting styles, footwork and shot selection through online tutorials.
He made his domestic T20 debut for Vidarbha in 2014 and later played List A and first-class matches. Initially, he opened the innings but often got out early. After getting dropped from the team, he moved down to the middle order and started focusing on improving his batting.
Jitesh Sharma’s Journey in the IPL and Team India
Jitesh joined Mumbai Indians in 2017 at the age of 23. Although he was part of a champion team, his personal journey was filled with ups and downs. He kept practicing, watching players like Suryakumar Yadav to learn unorthodox and attacking shots.
In 2023, he finally made it to the Indian national side for the Asian Games. Before the tournament, he spent hours studying Surya’s videos to replicate his fearless batting approach. This homework paid off. Even though his T20 International numbers (100 runs in 9 matches) don’t look very impressive yet, he remains confident and focused.
IPL 2025: Turning Heads with Explosive Innings
In the ongoing IPL 2025, Jitesh has played 13 matches and scored 237 runs in 10 innings at an average of 39.50 and an impressive strike rate of 171. His innings against Lucknow Super Giants — 85 runs in just 33 balls — included 6 sixes and 8 fours. That knock not only helped RCB chase down 228 runs in 18.4 overs but also secured their place in the top two of the league table.
His aggressive batting and calm presence behind the stumps have made him a valuable asset for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Jitesh Sharma’s Traits That Make Him Stand Out
- Fearless Attitude: He is not afraid to take risks. Even during pressure games, he backs himself to go for big shots.
- Self-Learning: He is a self-made player who didn’t rely on traditional coaching but took control of his own learning.
- Mentally Strong: Getting dropped early in his career could have ended his dream, but he bounced back each time.
- Inspired by Legends: He doesn’t copy anyone blindly but learns from modern greats and adapts them into his own style.
What Young Cricketers Can Learn from Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh’s journey proves that talent alone doesn’t make a cricketer. Dedication, self-belief and adaptability matter a lot. Today, anyone with a smartphone can learn cricket basics, just like Jitesh did through YouTube.
For youngsters dreaming of IPL, Jitesh’s story is proof that you don’t need a fancy academy or famous coach to make it big. You need passion, hard work, and the courage to take unconventional paths.
Future Looks Bright for Jitesh Sharma
At just 30, Jitesh still has a long way to go. With his current form and mindset, he is likely to play many more impactful innings in IPL and possibly get more chances in international cricket.
If he continues like this, we might one day see Jitesh as a permanent member of India’s T20 squad.
