Jitesh Sharma Names Adam Gilchrist as Wicket-Keeping Idol, Not MS Dhoni!
NEW DELHI: In a surprising revelation, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has named former Australian legend Adam Gilchrist as his ultimate inspiration behind the gloves, rather than the iconic MS Dhoni, who is often regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket history.
In an insightful video shared by the Indian Premier League (IPL) on its official social media platforms, the 31-year-old Punjab-born cricketer opened up about his journey and the meticulous techniques that define his craft. Jitesh emphasized the importance of fundamentals like the squat position and footwork, which he meticulously honed while drawing inspiration from Gilchrist’s effortless style.
“I think my love for wicketkeeping stems from watching Adam Gilchrist. The way he made keeping look so easy, especially how he would catch the ball with such finesse, deeply inspired me. In wicketkeeping, basics like the squat position and staying on the balls of your feet are thumb rules,” Jitesh said, as reported by ANI.
He further elaborated on his unique approach, stating, “For me, I always ensure that my shoulder and knee alignment forms a box-like structure. When I move, I move as a unit. If my head is close to the ball, my body automatically positions itself as the second line of defense. This technique helps me stay agile and ready, whether I’m diving for a catch or throwing the ball.”
Jitesh’s journey in the IPL has been a rollercoaster of perseverance and breakthroughs. Initially signed by Mumbai Indians in the 2016 auction and retained in 2017, he unfortunately did not get a chance to showcase his talent on the field during his stint there. However, his fortunes changed when Punjab Kings acquired him in the 2022 IPL auction. seizing the opportunity, Jitesh emerged as a destructive lower-order finisher, scoring 234 runs at a blistering strike rate of 163.64 in his debut season. He followed it up with an even better 2023 campaign, amassing 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.06.
His consistent match-winning performances in the IPL paved the way for international recognition, earning him a T20I debut for India against Nepal during the Hangzhou Asian Games in October 2023. Jitesh’s ability to deliver under pressure as a finisher made him a valuable asset, and ahead of the IPL 2025 season, RCB secured his services for a whopping Rs 11 crore at the auction.
In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Jitesh has already made an impact in his new colors, accumulating 85 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 184.00. His explosive batting and sharp keeping skills are expected to play a crucial role as RCB gears up to face Delhi Capitals in their 24th match of the season on Thursday at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
As fans eagerly await the clash, Jitesh Sharma’s tribute to Adam Gilchrist serves as a reminder of the global influence of cricketing legends and how their legacy continues to inspire the next generation of players. Will Jitesh channel Gilchrist’s flair behind the stumps against DC? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—his journey is one to watch.