Jitesh Sharma has found himself at the centre of social media chatter during IPL 2026, not just for his performances but also for a comment that has come back to haunt him. The wicketkeeper-batter, who featured in a past podcast with AB de Villiers, had made a bold statement about wanting opportunities in pressure situations—something that fans have revisited amid his underwhelming run with the bat.

Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Jitesh has struggled to make a meaningful impact in the lower middle order. Despite several situations where RCB needed quick runs in the death overs, the right-hander hasn’t been able to deliver consistently. While his wicketkeeping has remained sharp and reliable, his batting numbers tell a different story—just 63 runs in seven innings at an average of 9 and a strike rate of 112.50, with a highest score of 23.

The situation took a humorous turn during a recent RCB podcast featuring Mr. Nags, where Jitesh was playfully trolled for his earlier remarks. In a light-hearted moment that quickly went viral, he jokingly pretended to take off his shoe to “hit” Nags, adding to the banter that fans have come to enjoy.

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The trolling stems from Jitesh’s earlier statement where he admitted he often “prayed” for top-order collapses so he could step in and play a match-winning knock. He had described these moments as opportunities to become a hero, revealing his mindset of thriving under pressure.

NO WAY IN HELL😭 pic.twitter.com/Dgv7vjl0Ob

— Sergio (@SergioCulerCSK) May 3, 2026

“You won’t believe, I always pray to God that the top order collapses so I can bat and score,” he had said. “I see it as an opportunity to become a hero.”

While the intent reflected confidence and ambition, the lack of execution has drawn criticism. Jitesh also spoke about his mental approach, emphasising staying present, reading match situations, and managing pressure through awareness and self-belief.

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However, as IPL 2026 progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on him to translate that mindset into performances. For Jitesh Sharma, the challenge now is simple—back up his words with runs when his team needs it the most.