Star wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma opened up about the emotional weight of losing his father, saying the loss continues to shape his journey even as he looks to build on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s success in recent seasons.
Reflecting on the personal tragedy, Jitesh said the void left behind is something he chooses to carry with him rather than move on from.
“When you lose your father, that void never really goes away. I am not trying to forget it. I want to carry that emotion with me and keep moving forward,” he said on the RCB Podcast.
He also found solace in the fact that his father witnessed some of the biggest milestones of his career, including representing India and being part of RCB’s historic title-winning run.
“I am proud that my father saw me wear the India jersey and saw me lift the trophy for RCB. That means everything to me,” he said.
Jitesh described last season’s triumph as a deeply meaningful moment, not just professionally but personally as well.
“This is not a one-year thing. We are here to dominate. I want to prove that what happened last season was not a one-off. Winning the first trophy for RCB was a magical feeling. The biggest satisfaction was knowing that I had contributed to it. That is a moment I will always be proud of,” he said.
Recalling his crucial cameo in the 2025 final, Jitesh said his mindset was to make an impact in a high-pressure situation.
“My only thought in the final was to make a difference. I did not want to just survive the situation; I wanted to shift the game. The last over of the final felt like the longest six balls of my life. We wanted that moment so badly,” he said.
Returning to the RCB set-up after a challenging phase helped him rediscover himself, both as a cricketer and as a person. “When I walked back into Chinnaswamy and saw the red and blue again, I felt reborn. Being back in that environment made me feel like myself again.”
He credited Dinesh Karthik for guiding him through that period, particularly by encouraging him to step away and reset mentally.
”A lot of the credit for my growth goes to DK ‘anna’. He helped me understand my game better, use my strengths properly and improve mentally. DK asked me to take a break, put the bat away for a while and spend time with my family and friends. That helped me reset,” the stumper said.
Jitesh also spoke about simplifying his approach to batting and embracing a broader role within the team. “For me, it comes down to one thing: watch the ball. If you are present and watching the ball well, everything else takes care of itself.”
“I do not see myself only as a wicketkeeper now. I see myself as a finisher and a fielder as well. My job is to find a way into the team, whatever role that requires,” he added.
Despite missing out on national selection recently, Jitesh remains focused on his long-term ambition. “Playing for India is still the ultimate goal. I felt I did my part, so I have no regrets. Now it is about staying ready and finding the next opportunity.”
He added that leadership responsibilities have played a key role in his personal growth. “I have always enjoyed leadership. When you lead, you stop thinking only about yourself and start thinking about how to bring the best out of others. That has always helped me grow,” he noted.