India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has revealed that cricket was never part of his original life plan, describing how a chance decision at school trials set him on the path to professional cricket. Speaking on a podcast hosted by former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, Jitesh traced his journey from aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces to becoming one of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) trusted finishers. He credited a state government incentive, rather than ambition, for nudging him toward the sport.

“Growing up, cricket was never part of the plan. I always wanted to go into defence,” Jitesh said. “It was a state government rule, offering students 25 extra marks for representing their state in sport, that nudged a few of my friends and me into attending school trials. Spotting only one name listed under the wicketkeeper column, I picked up the gloves on the spot. And it came naturally to me.”

Jitesh highlighted the mentors who shaped his development, including local coach Pritam Gandhi and senior India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik. “In the beginning, it was Pritam Gandhi who played a very big role in my life because he was ahead of his time. He told me I had to evolve. Later, I met Dinesh Karthik. These two people played a huge role in shaping my mindset and skills,” he recalled.

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Reflecting on his personal strengths and weaknesses, Jitesh said his constant desire to learn has been both a virtue and a challenge. “My biggest strength is that I always ask for new things. I’m always ready to learn. And that same quality is my weakness. Sometimes I push myself so much that I cross the line, even though I could do better in a particular skill,” he noted.

Jitesh also credited his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for nurturing his competitive instinct. “The fighting instinct was always there, but it was the franchise’s belief in me that allowed it to flourish. Sometimes, one statement—‘you can do it, we’ve got your back’—is enough to change everything for a cricketer,” he said. He further explained his approach to performing under pressure, emphasizing focus, presence, and attention to detail.

Having been excluded from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, Jitesh will now return to IPL action with RCB. He remains committed to creating impactful innings, leveraging his experience and mindset to thrive in high-stakes situations both on and off the field.

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