We just want to play our best cricket in every match - Jitesh Sharma

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured qualification for the IPL 2026 Playoffs after a clinical win against the Punjab Kings in Himachal Pradesh. A superlative batting performance from the Royal Challengers combined with a calculated bowling approach was more than enough for the Men in Red and Gold to sail into the Play-offs.

RCB's stand-in captain, Jitesh Sharma opened up at length about the dynamics of the game. Talking at the post-match presentation, Sharma highlighted the fact that there was no pressure whatsoever. He was also happy to step up as the skipper in the absence of Rajat Patidar.

Revealing if the chase got tricky at any point in time, Jitesh said, " No, I think we were all in control. In the batting and the bowling, we were in control."

Explaining the mood after RCB's first-innings total of 222, Jitesh added, "We were not under pressure, frankly speaking. We were in control. We know what we want to do on this wicket because we batted on that and the batters had given very good feedback on what was working on that wicket. So we planned particularly for particular batsmen and we were executing that properly."

Shedding light on his role as a captain, Jitesh stated, "No, it’s okay, it’s fine. It’s part of my job. Whatever my management has given, I have to do and give my hundred percent, that’s it."

Talking on the experienced bowling line-up, RCB has, Jitesh said, "We are privileged that they are playing for RCB and with that I got so many senior players to guide me in the centre when I’m doing captaincy to those bowlers. I think that’s great. It’s a great experience to play with those boys."

He concluded with a word about Rajat Patidar, stating, "My actual skipper is doing really well. He’s going to captain next game. I think our RCB motto is very simple - one game at a time. That’s the thing. We are not thinking ahead or anything. We just want to play our best cricket in every match, that’s it."