Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu suggested that Jitesh Sharma needs to stop batting as though he has something to prove every time he walks out and instead stick to the basics. His comments come as the wicketkeeper-batter continues to struggle for form ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on Wednesday, May 13.
“Jitesh, I feel he’s going out there always thinking he wants to prove a point. Maybe he just needs to hold back a little and play to his strengths, bat till the end, and capitalise in those last two or three overs on a pitch like that. So it’s not all doom and gloom for their batting order, but definitely there are areas they need to improve,” Rayudu said.
Jitesh has endured a disappointing campaign so far, scoring just 82 runs in the 11 matches he has featured in. While his wicketkeeping remains a valuable asset, he has also shown in the past that he can make match-winning contributions with the bat, including helping RCB pull off dramatic come-from-behind wins, as seen against Lucknow Super Giants last season.
WHY IS JITESH SHARMA UNDER FIRE?
Jitesh has yet to make a meaningful impact this season and has also come under criticism for comments he made earlier in the campaign.
Speaking on a podcast with AB de Villiers, Jitesh had said he sometimes hoped for a top-order collapse so he could step in and make a match-defining contribution.
“You won’t believe, I always pray to God that my top order collapses so I can go in and score,” he told de Villiers.
“I see it as an opportunity to become a hero. I always visualise such innings in my life. I am that kind of person. I have always wanted to do something magical. Being in the present, focusing on your breathing, reading the scoreboard, understanding what’s required and what’s not, and doing those calculations helps me handle that pressure.”
RCB’S PLAY-OFF HOPES
Rajat Patidar’s side has carried forward the consistency that delivered the franchise’s long-awaited maiden IPL title last season.
A win against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday would put RCB firmly on course for the play-offs, though one more victory would likely be needed to guarantee a top-four finish, with 18 points considered the safer qualification mark compared to 16. Last season, only Mumbai Indians progressed with 16 points.
RCB currently sit on 14 points from seven wins in 11 matches and boast the best net run rate among the teams still in contention. After the KKR clash, they round off their league campaign against Punjab Kings and SunRisers Hyderabad.
The defending champions will hope Jitesh rediscovers his touch with the bat as they push to secure a play-off berth and strengthen their title defence.
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