IPL 2026: RCB Management Backs Jitesh Sharma Despite Slump in Form
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A Crucial Turning Point for RCB in IPL 2026
The 2026 Indian Premier League season has reached a fever pitch, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finding themselves at a critical juncture. As the tournament enters the second half of the group stage, the points table is shifting dramatically, leaving little room for error. RCB, currently navigating a challenging road, remains acutely aware that a consistent winning streak is the only path to securing a coveted playoff berth.
Standing in their way is the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a team currently occupying a vastly different space on the table. However, the RCB camp is choosing to block out the external noise, focusing solely on the internal process and the immediate task at hand.
Focusing on the Process, Not the Table
Assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan addressed the media ahead of the match, emphasizing the team’s unwavering commitment to their own performance. ‘We can all see how the table is panning out, but we can’t be distracted by what’s happening with other teams,’ Rangarajan noted. ‘We can only focus on what we want to do, and the task we have on our hands as of now is the game against LSG tomorrow.’
The emphasis remains on continuous improvement. ‘We’re always looking as a unit at how we can improve and the trends in the tournament, how we can capitalise on those things. Our focus is now on this next game,’ he added.
The Jitesh Sharma Conundrum
While stars like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Phil Salt have been firing on all cylinders, the form of wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has been a significant point of concern. After playing a pivotal role in RCB’s championship-winning campaign in 2025, Sharma has struggled to find his rhythm this season.
His scores in the 2026 edition—0, DNB, 5, 10, 23, 14, 10, DNB, 1—tell a stark story of a batter fighting for confidence. Yet, despite these underwhelming returns, the RCB management remains steadfast in its belief in his abilities.
Management Backing and Tactical Preparation
Rangarajan was quick to dismiss any panic regarding Sharma’s form, pointing to his pedigree and previous contributions. ‘Jitesh is a very sorted individual. He knows it’s not by chance that he’s played for the country and been part of IPL squads for so long. He played an integral part for us last year as well,’ the assistant coach remarked.
The coaching staff is actively working with Sharma to refine his approach during net sessions. Rather than focusing solely on the poor numbers, the management is providing targeted training to help him handle specific match situations.
- Understanding Context: Training sessions are being tailored to simulate the exact scenarios Sharma will face in the middle order.
- Mental Clarity: The focus is on reminding Sharma of his past impact and his ability to change the game in critical moments.
- Strategic Messaging: The coaching staff is ensuring that Sharma understands his role clearly, helping him stay composed during his time at the crease.
‘The messaging to Jitesh is that he’s very aware of what he can do to help the team in any situation he goes in. That’s all he’s been focusing on, and that’s what we’ve been trying to provide for him in training sessions, understanding the situations he’s likely to go in and how he can impact the game for us,’ Rangarajan explained.
Looking Ahead
As RCB prepares to take the field against LSG, the collective effort of the squad will be paramount. While the spotlight is often on the top-order run-getters, the contribution of the middle-order remains the backbone of any successful title defense. Whether Jitesh Sharma can regain his touch and provide the middle-order stability RCB desperately needs will be one of the key subplots to watch in the coming matches.
The team management’s decision to back a proven performer rather than opting for drastic changes highlights the culture of trust that has been built within the RCB dressing room. Whether this faith translates into runs on the board against Lucknow remains to be seen, but for now, the message from the camp is clear: they are sticking to their guns.
