Ravichandran Ashwin Raises Concerns Over Jitesh Sharma’s Form Ahead of RCB vs KKR

The Playoff Push: Ashwin Analyzes RCB’s Current State

As the race for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs intensifies, defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) find themselves in a formidable position. Currently sitting second on the points table with seven wins from eleven matches and boasting the league’s best net run rate, the team remains a heavy favorite. However, seasoned campaigner and offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that despite their success, there is a glaring chink in their armor that requires immediate attention: the prolonged poor form of wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma.

The Jitesh Sharma Dilemma

Jitesh Sharma, who played an instrumental role in RCB’s historic maiden title triumph in 2025, has found the 2026 season significantly more challenging. His statistics tell a worrying story: in 11 matches, Jitesh has batted in only 9 innings, accumulating a mere 82 runs. This equates to a disappointing average of 9.11 and a strike rate of 115.49, well below the standards expected of an elite finisher in modern T20 cricket.

Ashwin, speaking to ESPNCricinfo, highlighted the complexity of the situation. “Look, RCB have one issue, which I think is Jitesh Sharma’s form. He was an incumbent keeper-batsman for India, and he’s lost his place. The entry point of Jitesh Sharma is something that they don’t have too many choices with. Because everyone in the top four is scoring runs, including Patidar,” Ashwin noted. The lack of depth in the middle order means that RCB has been forced to provide extended backing to their first-choice keeper, despite his inability to clear the ropes consistently this season.

Performance Metrics and Tactical Adjustments

The numbers further underscore the lack of impact from the middle-order batsman. Having faced 71 balls throughout the season, Jitesh has managed only 6 fours and 5 sixes, with a highest individual score of just 23. While the team management has shown faith in his abilities based on past performances, the lack of output is becoming a talking point as the tournament enters its final, decisive stages.

Ashwin, however, was quick to temper the criticism with praise for the squad’s overall resilience. “They were so far behind the game against LSG, and yet they were so close from knocking that off. I would say most teams, 100 for 4 chasing 13/14 an over would be reeling at that point of time. And RCB was, and they still found a way to get as close as they did. And I’m thinking they’re still a very good side,” he added.

Strategic Options for the Defending Champions

When asked about potential solutions, Ashwin suggested that while the batting unit is functioning well, the team could potentially explore tactical changes elsewhere if necessary. “They’ve got options. I think they can also mull around the option, if [Phil] Salt is not going to be coming back. They’ve still got some options to beef up that bowling. Maybe [Jacob] Duffy is also coming in to supplement the seam attack. I don’t suggest they do that, but they are sitting in a very, very pretty place at this point of time,” he remarked.

Looking Ahead: The Clash Against KKR

The defending champions are now preparing for a massive clash against the 2024 winners, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The match, scheduled for May 13th, will serve as RCB’s final home game of the league stage, hosted at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur. As KKR fights to secure a better standing, RCB will look to maintain their momentum.

Ultimately, Ashwin suggests that the internal philosophy of the RCB camp should be one of confidence. “I think they will get through. If you look at the inside part of RCB, what would they be telling themselves? They won a title, they’re looking like a strong side. To me, RCB are going to be telling themselves, ‘We are still a great shout to try and defend this title. Why really fix something that isn’t broken?'”

The road ahead for RCB depends on balancing this faith in their core unit with the harsh reality of form-based selection. Whether Jitesh Sharma finds his groove in Raipur or the team opts for structural changes, the upcoming clash against KKR will be a true test of their championship credentials.