Distanced myself from Virat Kohli- Jitesh Sharma

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma made a huge statement on his interactions with Virat Kohli during the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). Sharma stated that he always maintained respect for Kohli’s stature and that their conversations were limited to cricket-related discussions.

The Royal Challengers signed Jitesh Sharma for ₹11 crore at the mega auction after outbidding the Punjab Kings, who had attempted to retain him with the Right-to-Match card. He justified the price tag by excelling in the finisher’s role, delivering several crucial cameos to help the Bengaluru team secure the title.

Mere Liye Unse Baat Karna Hi Badi Baat Hai - Jitesh Sharma on Virat Kohli

Jitesh Sharma admitted that he maintained distance from Virat Kohli while playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He stated that even a brief conversation with Kohli was significant, and those discussions remained meaningful.

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"I come from a small town, where you give lots of respect to your seniors. You don't intrude in their personal space," Jitesh Sharma told the Times of India.

"Mere liye unse baat karni hi badi baat hai. Mai jaanta hun ki Virat bhai ka stature, toh mai koshish karta tha ki kyu hi unke personal space mein jau, kyu pareshaan karu (For me, just talking to him is a big deal. I know Virat bhai’s stature, so I would try not to intrude on his personal space or bother him unnecessarily)."

"I used to talk to him about cricket only. Out of respect, I maintained my distance. I only wanted to have a meaningful conversation with him," he added.

Jitesh Sharma and Virat Kohli Collaborated in RCB’s Leadership Group

Jitesh Sharma and Virat Kohli worked closely together as part of RCB’s leadership group. The Vidarbha wicketkeeper served as vice-captain, while Kohli’s experience made him a key figure in the core setup.

Jitesh emerged as one of RCB’s standout players in the 2025 season, scoring 261 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.28 and a blistering strike rate of 176.35. He delivered his best batting performance when he was the stand-in captain.

The right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in a high-score chase, rescuing the side from 123/4 to secure a top-two finish. He capped off his campaign with a vital 24-run cameo from just 10 deliveries in the final against the Punjab Kings.

Jitesh was recently recalled to the national side following impressive outings in IPL 2024. He will be with Team India for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Virat Kohli Ended as RCB’s Leading Run-Scorer in IPL 2025

Virat Kohli finished as RCB’s highest run-getter with 657 runs in 15 innings at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, including eight half-centuries. RCB went on to clinch their maiden men’s IPL trophy by defeating Punjab Kings in the final.

Notably, Kohli now only plays for India in ODIs. He retired from T20Is after India’s World Cup win in 2024 and from Tests in May 2025. India’s next 50-over assignment is a three-match ODI series in Australia, starting October 19 in Perth.

The veteran batter has already begun preparations, training at Lord’s in London, where he was also spotted interacting with fans.

Also read: Mitchell Starc drops shocking retirement! IPL career over too?