RCB wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma’s journey with the franchise over the past few months has been incredibly impressive. Since joining the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025, Jitesh has become an integral part of the team’s batting lineup, particularly in the middle order. His ability to execute the finisher’s role with finesse has earned him praise. Meanwhile, Jitesh has been vocal about the positive influence that former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and current mentor of RCB Dinesh Karthik has had on his game. And Jitesh acknowledged that Karthik’s mentorship has helped him settle well in RCB’s setup. 

"I think I've finally found someone I can truly work with - someone I can learn from, someone who matches my wavelength, and I match his. Someone who is just like me. And that someone is D.K. Anna (Dinesh Karthik). He is one of the biggest reasons I feel settled. He has played the same role for the Indian team and in the IPL too. I'm very comfortable talking to him. He understands my feelings and my game, and I understand what he's trying to convey. He has performed under pressure and knows what kind of risks are involved in key moments," Jitesh said on on JioHotstar.

Jitesh noted that under Karthik’s guidance, he has been able to develop a different approach to batting. 

"Earlier, I never had this kind of conversation with anyone because not many have succeeded while batting at number 6. And those who have, are playing for teams like the Chennai Super Kings or other big franchises. But now, I get to interact with DK daily. Being a wicketkeeper-batter himself, he understands me, and I understand what he expects. I've got more freedom here. I had it in my previous team too, but now I'm also learning new things and gaining insights I hadn't before," he said.

“DK has pulled me out of my comfort zone and into a new space I haven't been in before. I've always had certain shots in my arsenal, but I didn't believe in them. I never worked on them because previous coaches would say, ‘Go straight, play this way, play that way.' It's true that hitting sixes in the ‘V' is my strength, but I always wanted to learn more. My mindset is - if someone is teaching and I can add a new skill, why not? DK told me to use my natural hand movement and encouraged me to try it. They picked me for those abilities, so they saw something. DK saw something, and that's how things are evolving now. This is just the beginning," he stated.