Dinesh Karthik opens up on RCB signing Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction

It was a busy day for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru think-tank on the first day of the IPL 2025 mega-auction with big names being picked for the upcoming season. Two of the mega signings on the first day included the likes of the hard-hitting wicket-keepers, Jitesh Sharma (INR 11 Cr) and Phil Salt (INR 11.5 Cr).

Phil Salt was one of the key architects of KKR’s early domination with 435 runs in IPL 2024, clubbed at a strike rate of 182.01. Jitesh Sharma had his fair share of ups and downs with 187 runs in 2024 scored at a strike rate of 131.69. However, his numbers in the 2023 season coming in at number five or six were overwhelming as they read 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.06.

In a video released by RCB, the franchise’s batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, opened up on the buys of the two hard-hitting wicket-keepers at the auction. Talking about Jitesh Sharma, DK said, “He is a very explosive middle-order batter. We wanted someone who is on the fringes of the Indian team and he is right there. We’ve seen what he can do in the IPL. He has got areas that he can hit, RCB being a ground where you can play spin well, he comes as a very very good option.”

He also talked about Salt, stating, “Phil Salt, what have I got to say? He’s explosive, he’s someone who can take on the powerplay, great attitude, nice guy to have around in the team, everything about him says, he is the kind of guy RCB would love to have.”

When asked about which of the two signees who take up the gloves, DK said, “That’s a big one. I don’t mind. I think that is a decision that we would take closer to the tournament. I think that it’s a discussion that we need to have and see who’s the better fielder and the better wicket-keeper and accordingly figure out what’s the right option.”