Ravichandran Ashwin Warns RCB: Is Jitesh Sharma’s Form a Liability?

The Playoff Push: RCB’s Path Forward

As the race for the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs intensifies, defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) find themselves in a enviable position. Sitting second on the points table with seven victories from eleven outings and holding the league’s superior net run rate, the team is firmly in control of its destiny. However, even with such success, high-level scrutiny reveals chinks in the armor. Former India offspinner and keen tactical observer Ravichandran Ashwin has recently shed light on the primary concern currently haunting the RCB camp: the persistent lack of form from wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma.

The Jitesh Sharma Conundrum

Jitesh Sharma, who played an instrumental role in RCB’s historic 2025 title campaign, has struggled significantly throughout the 2026 season. The statistics paint a concerning picture of his current output. In 11 matches, Jitesh has stepped up to the crease in only nine innings, managing a paltry 82 runs. This is a dramatic drop-off for a player who, in previous years, served as an explosive middle-order anchor.

His current average stands at a meager 9.11, accompanied by a strike rate of 115.49—figures that are well below the standards expected of an elite IPL finisher. Throughout the season, he has faced 71 deliveries, yielding only six fours and five sixes. This lack of impact is glaring, especially for a player who previously held a spot as an incumbent keeper-batter for the Indian national side.

Ashwin’s Tactical Perspective

In a discussion with ESPNCricinfo, Ashwin noted that while RCB’s top four—including the likes of Patidar—have been scoring consistently, the team lacks viable alternatives for Jitesh’s specific entry point in the batting lineup. Despite this, Ashwin believes the team remains a formidable force. Referencing a recent clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Ashwin pointed out how RCB managed to stay competitive even when the odds were stacked heavily against them.

“They were so far behind the game against LSG, and yet they were so close from knocking that off,” Ashwin remarked. “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.”

Exploring Options and Team Depth

While the batting concern remains, Ashwin suggests that RCB has the luxury of exploring alternative strategies to bolster their side. He mentioned the possibility of strengthening the bowling attack, specifically highlighting the inclusion of Jacob Duffy to supplement the seam unit. However, Ashwin tempered this by noting that the team is currently in a “very, very pretty place.”

His core advice to the RCB management centers on stability: “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?’ Just go ahead with it, and if you don’t, you don’t. That happens in the IPL. But as of now, give yourself the best opportunity [by] not succumbing to pressure.”

Looking Ahead: The KKR Challenge

The defending champions are now preparing for a crucial fixture against the 2024 winners, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Scheduled for May 13th, this encounter will be hosted at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, marking RCB’s final designated home match of the season. While RCB is well-positioned for a playoff berth, their opponents, KKR, face a different set of challenges.

As the tournament reaches its business end, all eyes will be on whether RCB continues to show faith in Jitesh Sharma or if the team decides to adjust their roster to address the vulnerability identified by experts. For now, the defending champions remain a, if not the, team to beat, provided they maintain their composure under the immense pressure of the IPL playoff race.