Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma recently opened up about the emotional weight he's carrying this IPL season—an unusual admission in a sport where players are often trained to mask their feelings. His words have struck a chord with fans and offered a rare glimpse into the personal side of professional cricket.
"This year, I am playing with emotions. We know that there is winning and losing & we are mentally ready, we don't let it hurt. But this time, I am taking it personally for RCB," Jitesh said, reflecting on how this season has meant something more than just performance or points.
The turning point came during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), a key domestic T20 tournament in India. Despite the presence of numerous star players, it was Jitesh who became the center of unexpected attention from the crowd.
"When I was playing SMAT, there were a lot of big players there, no one shouted for them, but when I came to bat or anything, fans shouted 'Jitesh, RCB, RCB,' and at that moment it hit me."
Now a proud member of RCB, Jitesh feels a sense of responsibility and ownership like never before. It’s not just about scoring runs or effecting stumpings—it’s about living up to the expectations of the very fans who once shouted his name before he wore the RCB jersey.
IPL 2025, Match 58: RCB Vs KKR Clash Called Off Due To Rain; Kolkata Officially Knocked Out Of Playoffs
The much-anticipated IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain, with not a single ball bowled or toss conducted. This outcome officially eliminates KKR from playoff contention.
Fans had gathered in large numbers, many donning white jerseys to pay tribute to Virat Kohli's illustrious Test career. However, the weather had other plans, leading to disappointment among the spectators.
With the match abandoned, both teams were awarded one point each. This result leaves KKR with a total of 12 points from 13 matches, making it mathematically impossible for them to qualify for the playoffs. RCB, on the other hand, moves to 17 points from 12 matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive. However, the washout denies them a crucial opportunity to solidify their position in the top four.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium has a history of rain-affected matches, and this latest abandonment adds to that list. As the league stage progresses, RCB will look to capitalize on their remaining fixtures to secure a playoff berth, while KKR will aim to finish the season on a high note despite their elimination.
