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RCB's Jitesh Sharma: Defending Champions Tag "Irrelevant" in IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma stated that the team's defending champions tag is irrelevant as they are focused on chasing the IPL 2026 title. He expressed support for the Impact Player rule, highlighting the extra opportunity it provides for Indian players. Sharma detailed the team's preparation, which included recovery sessions and high-intensity practice games to simulate match pressure. RCB began their campaign with a convincing six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Key Points: RCB's Jitesh Sharma on Defending Champions Tag, IPL 2026 Focus

  • Jitesh Sharma dismisses defending champions tag
  • RCB focuses on chasing IPL 2026 title
  • Supports Impact Player rule for Indian players
  • Team prepared via high-intensity practice
  • RCB started campaign with big win
2 min read

"It is irrelevant": RCB's Jitesh Sharma on defending champions tag

RCB's Jitesh Sharma says the defending champions tag is irrelevant as the team focuses on chasing the IPL 2026 title. Get match insights and team updates.

"Frankly speaking, it is irrelevant. As our director of cricket, Mo Bobat, said, we are not defending, we are chasing the title. - Jitesh Sharma"

Bengaluru, April 4

Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma on Saturday said the defending champions tag is "irrelevant" as the team focuses on chasing the Indian Premier League 2026 title.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of RCB's clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sharma quoted RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat, saying, "Frankly speaking, it is irrelevant. As our director of cricket, Mo Bobat, said, we are not defending, we are chasing the title. This is a new season, we have to start one game again at a time, but with the confidence of what we have achieved."

Addressing questions around the Impact Player rule in a cash-rich league, the RCB keeper-batter said, "If you ask me personally, I think it's a good thing. Our Indian players are getting one more chance, so why not? Someone who is on the bench is getting an opportunity, so I am happy for that."

The Impact Player rule was introduced in the IPL in 2023. It allows teams to substitute one player during a match from four named substitutes, giving them tactical flexibility to replace a batsman, bowler, or all-rounder based on match situations.

Speaking about the team's preparation, Jitesh Sharma said, "First day we took a break, did recovery like swimming and gym. Then we played a very high-intensity practice game where we tried to create pressure situations. We are trying to replicate whatever can happen in a match, so that tactically and mentally we are prepared for anything."

The defending champions have started their IPL 2026 campaign on a fantastic note. RCB thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in the tournament opener.

Virat Kohli played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 38-ball 69, including five fours and as many sixes, that helped his side to chase down the challenging target of 202 runs in 15.4 overs.

On Sunday, the defending champions will next face struggling Chennai Super Kings, who have lost two consecutive matches in the ongoing IPL season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad:

Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(captain), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma(wicketkeeper), Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Swapnil Singh, Kanishk Chouhan, Satvik Deswal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I appreciate his take on the Impact Player rule. It does give more Indian talent a platform. But sometimes it feels like it reduces the role of genuine all-rounders. Tactically interesting, though.
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Priyanka N
Their preparation sounds intense and smart. Replicating match pressure in practice is key. Hope this focus translates into consistency throughout the season. All the best for the CSK match! 🤞
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Rahul R
Frankly speaking, he's right. Every season is a new challenge. The "defending champions" tag just adds unnecessary pressure. Just play good cricket. The squad looks balanced, especially with that bowling attack.
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Aman W
Respectfully, I disagree a bit. The champion's tag isn't *entirely* irrelevant. It comes with a target on your back—every team wants to beat you the most. They need to be prepared for that extra intensity from opponents, not just ignore the tag.
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Kavya N
So happy to see Jitesh Sharma doing well and speaking confidently. From Vidarbha to champion RCB, his journey is inspiring! Hope he gets a big score against CSK. 💪

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