Jitesh Sharma hates Sanju Samson? RCB star makes massive revelation before IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma has showered praise on Sanju Samson ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The 32-year-old expressed deep admiration for the top-order batter following his recent success during the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026.

Jitesh will return to action for the Bengaluru franchise during the Indian Premier League. The wicketkeeper played a vital role in securing their maiden title victory last year. He scored 261 runs in 15 matches at an average of 37.29 and a strike rate of 176.35, including one half-century with a best score of 85.

I Admire Sanju Samson A Lot - Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma was part of the national T20 setup for most of last year before missing out on the recent World Cup squad. Speaking to SportsNext, he shared his honest thoughts regarding Sanju Samson.

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“I am very close to Sanju bhai and I admire him a lot. Later as a cricketer, but first as a human being, he is a very great guy. I always wish good things for him, and when something good happened to him, I was very happy. I think he deserves whatever he has earned right now. Whatever achievements he is getting, he truly deserves them.”

The Bengaluru player has represented the national team in 16 T20I matches so far. He featured in seven games last year before the management changed their squad plans. Sharma has scored 162 runs with an average of 18 and a strike rate of 151.40.

Sanju Samson Played A Key Role In India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Triumph

Sanju Samson played a massive role in helping the Indian team secure the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy. He initially lost his place in the playing XI after struggling during the home series against New Zealand. However, he got an unexpected opportunity to make a remarkable comeback.

Samson returned to the side following a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa during the Super 8 stage. His inclusion helped turn the momentum around for the Men in Blue.

The 31-year-old batter grabbed his opportunity and delivered consistent match-winning knocks under pressure. He finished the global campaign as the highest run-scorer for India. He accumulated 321 runs across five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37.

Sanju Samson Delivered Match-Winning Knocks During T20 World Cup 2026

Sanju Samson hit a quick 22 off eight balls against Namibia before scoring 24 against Zimbabwe. He then guided the team into the semifinals with an unbeaten 97 off 50 deliveries against the West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal. He smashed 89 off 42 balls against England in the semifinal.

During the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, Sanju Samson scored 89 off 46 balls. The organizers named him Player of the Tournament for his impact despite featuring in only five matches during the event.

It is worth noting that the top-order batter was also part of the national squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2024. However, the team management benched him throughout that entire campaign. He had never played a single match in the T20 World Cup before the 2026 edition.

Also read: ‘Hardik Pandya sometimes needs…’: Rohit Sharma named ‘real’ Mumbai Indians captain ahead of IPL 2026