IPL 2026: RCB Management Backs Jitesh Sharma Despite Slump Ahead of LSG Clash

RCB’s Strategic Focus Ahead of the LSG Challenge

The 2026 Indian Premier League season is entering its most intense phase. As the group stage progresses, the points table is beginning to reflect the true hierarchy of the competition. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the equation is simple: momentum is the only currency that matters. With the playoffs in sight, every individual performance, from the top order to the tail, has come under the scanner.

As RCB prepares to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the team management is emphasizing a singular focus. Malolan Rangarajan, the assistant coach of the franchise, addressed the media in a recent press conference, highlighting the team’s mindset. “We can all see how the table is panning out, but we can’t be distracted by what’s happening with other teams,” Rangarajan noted. He emphasized that the primary objective is to maintain a professional approach, treating each fixture as a standalone battle.

The Jitesh Sharma Conundrum

One of the most discussed topics surrounding the RCB camp this week has been the form of wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. While the likes of Virat Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Phil Salt have been firing on all cylinders, Sharma has found runs hard to come by. His scorecard this season—0, DNB, 5, 10, 23, 14, 10, DNB, 1—is undeniably a point of concern for fans and analysts alike.

However, the RCB leadership is opting for stability over knee-jerk reactions. Rangarajan was quick to remind critics of the value Sharma brings to the side, particularly given his instrumental role in the franchise’s maiden trophy-winning campaign in 2025.

Why RCB Continues to Invest in Sharma

Rangarajan’s defense of the middle-order batter is rooted in a belief in his psychological fortitude and pedigree. “Jitesh is a very sorted individual. He knows it’s not by chance that he’s played for the country and been part of IPL squads for so long,” the assistant coach stated. The management is not just looking at current numbers; they are looking at the character of the player who helped them lift the title last year.

The training philosophy for Jitesh has been tailored to rebuild his confidence. Rather than focusing solely on the lack of runs, the support staff is working with him on specific game scenarios. “The messaging to Jitesh is that he’s very aware of what he can do to help the team in any situation he goes in. That’s all he’s been focusing on, and that’s what we’ve been trying to provide for him in training sessions,” added Rangarajan. By simulating high-pressure situations, the team hopes to help him regain his rhythm and impact games effectively.

The Road Ahead for RCB

The upcoming match against the Lucknow Super Giants is being viewed as a defining moment in RCB’s campaign. While the team recognizes the shift in standings in the second half of the tournament, they are choosing to capitalize on internal improvements rather than external pressures. The squad has been training extensively, ensuring that every player understands their role clearly.

As Rangarajan concluded, “We’re always looking as a unit at how we can improve and the trends in the tournament, how we can capitalise on those things. Our focus is now on this next game.” Whether Jitesh Sharma finds his touch against LSG remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he has the full backing of the management to turn his season around. In a tournament as volatile as the IPL, this level of trust can often be the catalyst for a player’s resurgence.

For more updates on the IPL 2026 season and post-match analysis, stay tuned to our continued coverage of the league.