I think this love for wicketkeeping is because of Adam Gilchrist: RCB's Jitesh Sharma

ANI April 10, 2025 131 views

Jitesh Sharma, a rising star in the IPL, openly acknowledges Adam Gilchrist as his wicketkeeping inspiration. His unique technique involves maintaining a precise body alignment, creating a defensive positioning he learned from watching Gilchrist's legendary style. Having made significant impacts for Punjab Kings and now with RCB, Sharma has become a sought-after finisher and wicketkeeper. His journey demonstrates how sporting heroes can profoundly influence young athletes' technical approaches and career trajectories.

"I think this love for wicketkeeping is because of Adam Gilchrist" - Jitesh Sharma
New Delhi April 10: Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper/batter Jitesh Sharma attributed his love for wicketkeeping to Adam Gilchrist's style. He emphasized the importance of a strong wicketkeeping foundation, including proper squatting and foot positioning.

Key Points

1

Wicketkeeper inspired by Gilchrist's unique catching style

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Focuses on shoulder and knee alignment technique

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Impressive IPL performances as finisher and keeper

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RCB's newest 11 Crore acquisition

In a video posted by IPL, Jitesh Sharma described his wicketkeeping technique. He focuses on keeping his shoulder and knee aligned like a box, ensuring his body is always in a defensive position.

"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. In wicket keeping, there are some basics like Squat position and ball of the feet. These are some thumb rules. But for me, I always try that my shoulder and my knee should be like a box. Whenever I move, I should move like a box. If my head is near the ball, automatically my body will be behind it. So, my second of defence line will be active. I should be close to it. Like I am throwing the ball far away. So, I should go like this and catch the ball rather than like this," Jitesh Sharma said.

Jitesh Sharma was initially acquired by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL in 2016 and retained in 2017, but he did not play a match for them. He was once again purchased in the IPL 2022 auction by the Punjab Kings, where he made a mark as a finisher.

Jitesh accumulated 234 runs at a strike rate of 163. 64 in IPL 2022 and continued with a remarkable season in 2023, scoring 309 runs at a strike rate of 156. 06. His impactful performances as a finisher secured him his T20I debut.

RCB picked him before the IPL auction 2025 for 11 Crore. So far, in four matches, he has tallied 85 runs with an average of 42.50, and a strike rate of 184. He has participated in 44 matches in his IPL career to date, achieving 31 catches and four stumping.

Jitesh Sharma will be seen in action next when Royal Challengers Bengaluru is scheduled to face Delhi Capitals in the 24th match of the IPL 2025 on April 10 (Thursday) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Despite securing victories in all three away games of the competition thus far, RCB is still in search of its first win at home.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Gilchrist was truly revolutionary behind the stumps! Love how Jitesh is carrying that legacy forward. His technique explanation was so detailed - you can tell he's really studied the craft. Excited to see him play against DC today! 🔥
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Priya M.
As a former wicketkeeper myself, I appreciate how he breaks down the mechanics. The "box" analogy is brilliant for maintaining balance. Though I wish he'd talk more about glove work - that's where Gilchrist really shined.
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Arjun S.
That strike rate of 184 this season is insane! RCB made a smart buy. Hope he can help them break the home game curse tonight 💪
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Neha P.
Interesting that he mentions defensive positioning. Most keepers today focus so much on flashy dives, but fundamentals win matches. More young players should listen to this!
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Vikram J.
While I admire his skills, I think RCB overpaid at 11 crore. His T20I performances haven't been consistent enough to justify that price tag yet. Hope he proves me wrong though!
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Sanjana R.
The way he describes his movements is so visual! You can really picture that box formation. Makes me want to grab my gloves and try it out in the backyard 😄

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