Jitesh Sharma Picks Greatest IPL Wicketkeeper, Snubs Idol Adam Gilchrist

A Surprising Selection from a Rising Star

In a recent engaging segment with Cricbuzz, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma participated in a high-stakes ‘greatest of all time’ selection game. Known for his explosive finishing abilities, Jitesh was tasked with narrowing down the best wicketkeepers to have graced the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the list contained legendary names, the final selection sent ripples through the cricket fraternity, primarily because Jitesh chose to bypass his own sporting idol.

The Battle of the Legends: Dhoni vs. Gilchrist

Jitesh Sharma began the session by acknowledging the skill of Wriddhiman Saha and, naturally, his long-time idol, the legendary Australian Adam Gilchrist. However, as the bracket-style selection progressed, the pressure mounted. When presented with the choice between Gilchrist and his current RCB coach, Dinesh Karthik, Jitesh paused for a significant amount of time. Eventually, he opted for the experience and impact of Karthik, signaling the high esteem in which he holds his mentor.

The ultimate test, however, came at the end of the exercise. When forced to choose between Dinesh Karthik and the iconic MS Dhoni, Jitesh did not hesitate to name the former Indian captain as the greatest T20 wicketkeeper in history. This decision highlights the immense respect Jitesh has for the craft, acknowledging the unparalleled tactical and technical influence Dhoni has exerted on the game over his illustrious career.

The Gilchrist Influence: A Foundation of Technique

While he ultimately sided with Dhoni, Jitesh Sharma’s admiration for Adam Gilchrist is not a recent development. During the 2025 IPL season, Jitesh opened up about how the Australian great served as the blueprint for his own development behind the stumps. He frequently highlighted Gilchrist’s effortless glove work and his ability to remain balanced while moving laterally as core components of his training.

“I think this love for wicketkeeping is because of Adam Gilchrist. The way he used to keep the ball so easily, the way he used to catch the ball, I was very inspired by that,” Jitesh had stated in an interview with ANI. He particularly noted the importance of technical basics, such as the squat position and weight distribution on the balls of the feet, which he learned by studying the Australian legend’s game.

Form Challenges in IPL 2026

While his off-field insights into wicketkeeping are highly regarded, Jitesh Sharma is currently navigating a difficult phase on the field. The 2026 IPL season has proven to be a struggle for the batter, who is finding it difficult to replicate the form that made him a standout performer in 2025. With only 63 runs in 7 innings and an average hovering around 9, the pressure is mounting for the RCB finisher to regain his touch.

• Current Season Performance: 63 runs in 7 innings.
• Season Average: 9.00.
• Team Status: RCB remains competitive, but requires contributions from the middle order.

Despite his personal slump, the team remains firmly in the hunt for a top-two finish. The squad’s reliance on collective brilliance has masked some of these individual shortcomings thus far, but for RCB to lift the trophy, they will need Jitesh to rediscover the power-hitting ability that defined his breakout year. As the team prepares for a critical encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on May 7, the focus remains on whether Jitesh can implement the same clarity of mind he brings to his analysis when he steps into the batting crease.

Looking Ahead

Jitesh Sharma’s recent comments demonstrate a player who respects the lineage of wicketkeeping. By choosing MS Dhoni while still deeply valuing the technical teachings of Adam Gilchrist, he shows a nuanced understanding of the game. Whether he can translate this intellectual appreciation of cricket into on-field results in the coming matches will be a key storyline for RCB fans to watch as the 2026 campaign reaches its business end.