Virat Kohli's friendship has made personal life hell for Jitesh Sharma and his family

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has opened up about his relationship with ace batter Virat Kohli during the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The middle-order batter said that he learned valuable tips from Kohli to enhance his performance under pressure.

Jitesh Sharma is currently in his first season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, having been acquired for Rs 11 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. He has scored 128 runs across 11 innings and delivered important cameo performances that helped the team in key moments in the tournament.

Virat Kohli Still Knows How to Play His Game - Jitesh Sharma

In a recent interview on the RCB podcast with Mayanti Langer, Jitesh Sharma shared how playing alongside Virat Kohli has helped him. He described Kohli as an energetic player who also knows how to stay focused on his game. Jitesh revealed that Kohli advised him on handling tough days on the field.

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“That person is full of energy. But he still knows how to play his game,” Jitesh told Langer.

“Virat Kohli also told me that there are some occasions when you have the feeling that this will not be your day while your going to play a match. Somehow you have to manage your energy that day… while batting if you feel you’re not hitting the ball well, just come to zero again. Think about running hard, middling the ball… these small tricks he has taught me…calm your nerve ..take a decision,” he added.

That’s the Small Things He’s Told Me - Jitesh Sharma

Sharma also said that Virat Kohli has guided him on how to perform when batting at number 5 or 6. The wicketkeeper said that Kohli advised him to shift his mindset from just aiming to hit sixes to focusing on clear attacking plans.

“People like you who come in the number of 5-6, they always think about hitting six. But with your intensity, you’re clear on how to attack. Think about shifting your focus. That’s the small things he’s told me,” he said.

I Have Never Clicked a Photo with Virat Kohli - Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma also revealed that he has to turn off his phone to avoid calls during the IPL. He stated that he only keeps a secondary number active for close family to reach him. He shared that childhood friends often ask him to arrange a meeting with Virat Kohli.

“You won’t believe the amount of calls that I get. I switch off my phone for two days and there is a second number that only my wife and my family has where they can reach me. My childhood friends keep telling me, ‘Virat bhai se mila de (Make us meet Virat Kohli)’. I tell them that I have never clicked a photo with him, how will I get you one photo with him.”

The IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was called off without a ball being bowled due to rain. Many fans wore white jerseys to pay tribute to Virat Kohli’s Test career, but the weather spoiled the event, leaving fans disappointed.

RCB will next play against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

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