When pressure and calm meet, and skill aligns with the opportune moment, something magical happens; that’s exactly what Jitesh Sharma showed. In one of the most thrilling IPL 2025 games, Jitesh executed an incredible innings that fans will remember for a very long time. His match-winning show was not just a career-defining moment but also a new benchmark for run-chasing in the IPL.
The Match Setup: A Herculean Task Ahead
In their final group match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were tasked to chase a massive total of 228 runs set by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium. Win and RCB would be in the top two, something that had not happened since 2016.
The game seemed to collapse when their key player, Virat Kohli, got out, and the team was struggling at 123/4 in the 12th over. But Jitesh Sharma, acting as the stand-in captain, rose to the challenge and turned the difficult phase into an opportunity to showcase his skills.
The Turning Point: Jitesh Sharma Takes Centre Stage
Jitesh Sharma walked in at a critical moment and teamed up with Mayank Agarwal at the crease. What followed was an incredible exhibition of T20 batting. Despite suffering from cramps and pressure, Jitesh batted boldly in cricket and stunned the opposition with his strong blows.
He remained not out with a stunning 85 runs from only 33 balls at a strike rate of 257.58. Not only was it his highest IPL score, but also a healthy warning to all. He scored numerous boundaries and sixes and, together with Agarwal, established an unbeaten 107-run partnership, which entirely turned the game in the favour of RCB.
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Drama and Sportsmanship: The 17th Over Controversy
The 17th over was full of drama and also displayed excellent sportsmanship. RCB nearly lost Jitesh Sharma twice during the 17th over. At first, he was caught out, but it was a no-ball, and so he remained. Then, bowler Digvesh Rathi attempted to run him out at the non-striker’s end with a ‘Mankad’ move. Initially, the appeal was accepted, but the third umpire stated that it was not applicable since Rathi had already completed his bowling action.
In a fantastic display of fair play, LSG captain Rishabh Pant chose to withdraw the appeal, showing respect for the game’s spirit. Because of that, Jitesh went on to continue his innings, and fans were able to witness one of the greatest IPL knocks ever.
A Knock to Remember: Jitesh Sharma Stats that Stun
Let’s dive into some eye-popping Jitesh Sharma stats from this game and the season:
- Runs Scored: 85* (33 balls)
- Strike Rate: 257.58
- Fours/Sixes: 5 fours, 7 sixes
- Partnership with Mayank Agarwal: 107* runs
- IPL 2025 Total Runs (so far): 387 runs in 12 innings
- Average: 43.00
- Total Sixes This Season: 29
Source: espncricinfo
This was Jitesh Sharma highest score in IPL, and it couldn’t have come at a better moment; for his team and his career.
Mentor’s Message and Jitesh’s Mindset
After the match, an emotional Jitesh Sharma shared how his mentor, Dinesh Karthik, had inspired him.
He said, “When Virat bhai got out, I just focused on taking the game deep, like my mentor Dinesh anna always tells me, take it deep.”
This calm and smart thinking worked really well for him. He stayed cool under pressure and played like a true leader. It’s rare to see a stand-in captain step up so confidently and perform so well when it matters most.
What This Means for RCB and Jitesh Sharma
RCB not only won the game; they made history. They became the first team in IPL history to have won all seven of their games on the other field except their own in a season with this victory. Better still, they qualified for the top two, and having two opportunities to get to the final is much sweeter.
For Jitesh Sharma, this inning may turn his career around. He was always regarded as a genius player, but not necessarily consistent. Now, after this incredible display, people are discussing how he might be included in the national team. His intelligent skippering, strong mental approach, and aggressive batting reveal that he has an excellent future ahead.
Conclusion: A Star is Born
Jitesh Sharma wasn’t only the man of the match; he was the star of a landmark moment. His incredible innings, now his highest score in the IPL, has transformed the way people view him as a player.
With such impressive stats, it seems like this is only the beginning of a wonderful cricket career for him. Whether you’re an RCB supporter or simply enjoy good cricket, this was one of those special moments that will be remembered for a long time.