Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, a key contributor to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title in 2025, has revealed how he maintained a respectful distance from ace batter Virat Kohli in the dressing room. Growing up in a small town, Jitesh emphasised the importance of respecting seniors, and interacting with a player of Kohli’s stature was a privilege he approached cautiously.

“Coming from a small town, you give a lot of respect to your seniors. Mere liye unse baat karni hi badi baat hai. Mai jaanta hun ki Virat bhai ka stature, toh mai koshish karta tha ki kyu hi unke personal space mein jau, kyu pareshaan karu,” Jitesh Sharma told the Times of India. He added that he limited his conversations with Kohli strictly to cricket, aiming for meaningful exchanges while honouring his seniors’ personal space.

Though they batted in different positions, Jitesh and Kohli worked closely as part of the captaincy group. Jitesh credited Kohli with teaching him how to calm his nerves and channel his energy on the field, lessons that were crucial during high-pressure IPL encounters.

ALSO READ: Maninder Singh Slams India’s Decision To Bench Kuldeep Yadav In England Series

Midway through IPL 2025, Virat Kohli himself noted Jitesh’s reserved nature, highlighting that he had yet to show his fun, mischievous side.

“One guy who is really funny but has not opened up with me is Jitesh. I would really want to see that fun, raw side of him. Because I can see it in his eyes that he has got that mischief about him,” Virat Kohli remarked during an event.

On the field, Jitesh backed up his words with performance. He was RCB’s fourth-highest run-scorer, amassing 261 runs in 11 matches at an average of 37.28 and an impressive strike rate of 176.35. His maturity, respect for seniors, and ability to manage pressure have established him as an integral figure in RCB’s setup, earning admiration from teammates and fans alike.

ALSO READ: Wasim Akram Praises Jasprit Bumrah As A Modern-Day Fast Bowling Great

This blend of professionalism and performance underscores Jitesh Sharma’s rise as a promising talent in Indian cricket, with his IPL journey reflecting both discipline and skill.