IPL 2026: Since the Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the eighth different team to lift the IPL title, just three teams remain without this elusive trophy. Of these, the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals reached the summit clash, but the Lucknow Super Giants have yet to advance beyond the playoffs stage in the four seasons they have participated in the tournament.
Since the IPL 2026 is about to start in a few days, the light-hearted interactions between teams and the players have already begun. Jitesh Sharma has already made fun of three teams—Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)—who are yet to win the IPL title. He included PBKS, the team where he made his IPL debut, in his comments and said that their wait for their maiden title will continue.
Jitesh was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after being released by his former franchise, Punjab Kings (PBKS), ahead of the 2024 mega auction. He was roped in for a whopping Rs 11 crore and, during his first year with the Bengaluru-based franchise, he helped the team lift its maiden title.
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During a podcast, when Jitesh Sharma was reminded that just three teams—Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants—have yet to lift the trophy, he replied, "Bachi rahengi (They will remain so)."
He then emphasized that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will successfully try to defend their IPL title.
During an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Jitesh praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying the franchise treats everyone in the team equally.
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“RCB treats every person – it doesn’t matter if they are ball boys or net bowlers – with respect and equality. Mo Bobat, Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik… when all good people get together as a unit, then the team automatically becomes great, and that’s what has happened at RCB. That’s why this team is very special to me", Jitesh Sharma was quoted as saying to ESPNCricinfo.
He played a huge role in helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their maiden title, scoring 261 runs at a staggering strike rate of 176.35.
"I can find out my real potential because of this management. In Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), there is an extra responsibility. It’s a big name, a big brand. Whatever you do here, you do it after putting in a lot of thought," he concluded.