Jitesh Sharma Virat Kohli for RCB. Image Credits: AP
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp has suffered a massive blow after captain Rajat Patidar was ruled out because of an injury.
RCB are set to face Punjab Kings on May 17 in Dharamsala in an afternoon match. Ahead of the clash, Jitesh Sharma is set to be the stand-in captain as Patidar missed travelling with the team to Dharamsala.
Questions might arise about why Virat Kohli was not handed the captaincy in Patidar’s absence. However, it is now quite clear that Kohli is not interested in leading the team anymore.
He wants the younger players to take charge, just like he did when he transitioned the captaincy to Rajat Patidar during RCB’s maiden IPL title-winning campaign in IPL 2025.
Jitesh Sharma’s Track Record As RCB Skipper
Nevertheless, Sharma has already captained RCB in two matches earlier. Both matches came during the IPL 2025 season in the absence of then-captain Patidar.
As he prepares to lead the side once again, let’s take a look at Jitesh Sharma’s captaincy record. Sharma previously led RCB against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants in May 2025. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23, RCB suffered a massive 42-run defeat against the Orange Army.
However, against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27, Sharma guided RCB to a memorable six-wicket victory while chasing a huge target of 228 at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium.
He led from the front with the bat and smashed an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls in a match-winning knock.
Virat Kohli and Mayank Agarwal also played quickfire innings to help RCB complete the chase. Jitesh currently has a 50% win-loss ratio as RCB captain.
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Sharma Also Led PBKS And India A
For the Punjab Kings, Jitesh Sharma captained the side in one match on May 19, 2024, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. PBKS lost that game as well.
Overall, in the IPL, Jitesh has captained three matches and won one of them, giving him a win percentage of 33.33%.
Jitesh has also captained India A. He led the emerging India side during the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha. Under his leadership, India reached the semifinals before losing to Bangladesh A in a dramatic Super Over finish.
He also captained his home state side Vidarbha during the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Out of the six matches he led, Vidarbha won four games.
His record reflects his tactical awareness and growing confidence as a leader ahead of the PBKS vs RCB clash.
The Effectiveness Of Jitesh Sharma as IPL Captain
Jitesh Sharma will be an effective stand-in captain for RCB despite his limited leadership experience in the IPL.
Although his overall captaincy numbers are not something extraordinary, his aggressive mindset and fearless approach, which is currently the template of RCB, make him a strong short-term option in Rajat Patidar's absence.
With senior players like Virat Kohli around him for guidance, Jitesh is unlikely to feel isolated and might do his part exceptionally while continuing the attacking brand of cricket that RCB have played since IPL 2026.
Nevertheless, this match will be a crucial one for Punjab Kings as well, since the fate of the RCB vs PBKS clash will also decide their chances of securing a playoff spot, while RCB will push for a top-two finish.
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