Former India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about the problems that defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore are facing as the race to the playoffs heats up.
RCB are currently second on the points table with 7 wins in 11 matches, and the best net run rate in the league. Despite all this, there have been certain areas that have needed work and have come apart a little at times.
Ashwin felt that RCB's biggest concern, despite things going well for them, was Jitesh Sharma's poor form. RCB have backed their first-choice wicketkeeper through the tough times, but he isn't the only player in poor form to receive extended backing from RCB.
Although he played a starring role in RCB's maiden IPL title triumph in 2025, Jitesh Sharma has had a rough time in 2026. In 11 matches, Jitesh has batted in only 9 innings and made just 82 runs.
He made more than that in one match last year. His runs have come at an average of just 9.11 and a very un-Jitesh strike rate of 115.49. His highest score has been just 23, and the sixes haven't come from his bat either. He has faced 71 balls this season, but only managed to hit 6 fours and 5 sixes.
"Jitesh Sharma's form is an issue for RCB:" Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin spoke to ESPNCricinfo about the challenges currently facing RCB and whether there are any solutions to those.
"Look, RCB have one issue, which I think is Jitesh Sharma's form. He was an incumbent keeper-batsman for India, and he's lost his place. The entry point of Jitesh Sharma is something that they don't have too many choices with. Because everyone in the top four is scoring runs, including Patidar," he said.
"They were so far behind the game against LSG, and yet they were so close from knocking that off. I would say most teams, 100 for 4 chasing 13/14 an over would be reeling at that point of time. And RCB was, and they still found a way to get as close as they did. And I'm thinking they're still a very good side," he continued.
"They've got options. I think they can also mull around the option, if [Phil] Salt is not going to be coming back. They've still got some options to beef up that bowling. Maybe [Jacob] Duffy [is] also coming in to supplement the seam attack. I don't suggest they do that, but they are sitting in a very, very pretty place at this point of time."
"I think they will get through. If you look at the inside part of RCB, what would they be telling themselves? They won a title, they're looking like a strong side. To me, RCB are going to be telling themselves, 'We are still a great shout to try and defend this title. Why really fix something that isn't broken?'," he added.
"Just go ahead with it, and if you don't, you don't. That happens in the IPL. But as of now, give yourself the best opportunity [by] not succumbing to pressure, because they are a really, really good side. They can mull around the option of Jacob Duffy, which I still hold, because their batting is doing well, you don't need the depth," Ashwin concluded.
Also Read: Jitesh Sharma ranks greatest finishers in the IPL; snubs MS Dhoni for the top spot
RCB's next match in IPL 2026
The defending champions will take on the 2024 champions, the Kolkata Knight Riders, in their next match. This match will be the last designated home match for RCB, but will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.
The match will be held on 13th May. RCB is in a good position to qualify for the playoffs, unlike KKR. It will be another exciting encounter at the New Raipur Stadium.
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