Jitesh Sharma's 62 Runs in 7 Matches Deepen RCB Middle-Order Crisis Ahead of Gujarat Titans Clash

Key facts

• Jitesh Sharma has scored 62 runs in 7 IPL 2026 matches at an average of 10.33.
• He was dismissed for a golden duck in the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
• In the latest match against Gujarat Titans, he scored 10 runs off 6 balls before being dismissed.
• RCB were bowled out for 155 in 19.1 overs against GT, suffering a four-wicket defeat.
• GT chased the target in 15.5 overs, with Shubman Gill scoring 43 off 18 balls and Jos Buttler 39 off 19.
• RCB's net run-rate dropped from +1.9 to +1.4 after the loss.
• This was RCB's third loss of the season; they remain in second place on the points table.

A Struggling Finisher Under Scrutiny

Jitesh Sharma, once regarded as a reliable finisher for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has managed only 62 runs across seven innings in IPL 2026, averaging a meager 10.33. His repeated failures have placed the team's middle order under intense scrutiny as the defending champions prepare to face Gujarat Titans. The season began disastrously for the wicketkeeper-batter: in the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was dismissed for a golden duck, attempting an aggressive shot on the first ball and caught at backward square leg. In the second game against Chennai Super Kings, he did not get to bat as the top order sealed the chase early at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

A Pattern of Inconsistency

Jitesh's subsequent outings have followed a similar pattern of brief promise followed by disappointment. Against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, he scored 5 runs off 8 balls; against Mumbai Indians, 10 runs off 9 balls. A quick 23 off 9 balls against Lucknow Super Giants raised hopes, but he failed to convert the start into a substantial innings. The inconsistency continued against Delhi Capitals, where he managed only 14 runs from 20 balls, drawing frustration from fans. In the latest match against Gujarat Titans, he showed early aggression with a six and a boundary but was dismissed soon after for 10 runs off 6 balls.

RCB's Middle-Order Collapse Against GT

The Gujarat Titans clash in Ahmedabad on Thursday laid bare RCB's middle-order fragility. After opting to bowl, GT bowled out RCB for 155 in 19.1 overs. Virat Kohli struck five boundaries in one over off Kagiso Rabada, but the pacer dismissed him soon after. From there, RCB's batting unraveled in a middle-order collapse. GT's chase was clinical: captain Shubman Gill smashed 43 off 18 balls, taking on Josh Hazlewood, and Jos Buttler followed with 39 off 19. By the time both departed, the required run-rate was well under six. Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan hit boundaries off Suyash's final over to seal victory with 4.1 overs to spare, handing RCB their third loss of the season.

Impact on Points Table and Playoff Race

The defeat dented RCB's net run-rate, which dropped from +1.9 to +1.4, though they remain in second place on the points table. GT, meanwhile, climbed to 10 points in fifth spot, closing in on the top four. The result underscores that the playoff race is far from settled, with several teams still in contention. For RCB, the middle-order woes have become a pressing concern. With Jitesh Sharma failing to deliver, team management may consider changes if his form does not improve. The defending champions' strong suits—particularly their middle order and pacer Josh Hazlewood—did not fire in this match.

Background and Stakes

Jitesh Sharma was brought into RCB as a wicketkeeper-batter expected to provide stability and finishing prowess in the lower middle order. His struggles this season have not only affected the team's batting depth but also put additional pressure on the top order to set or chase targets. As the tournament progresses, RCB's ability to address this vulnerability could determine their playoff prospects. The team's next matches will be critical in deciding whether to persist with Jitesh or explore alternatives within the squad.

What Lies Ahead for RCB

With seven matches played and seven remaining in the league stage, RCB have little time to rectify their middle-order issues. The team management faces a decision: give Jitesh more opportunities in the hope of a turnaround, or make a change to shore up the batting lineup. The defending champions' campaign now hinges on how they respond to this setback. The Gujarat Titans defeat has exposed a chink in their armor, and opponents will likely target RCB's middle order in future encounters.

The bottom line

• Jitesh Sharma has scored only 62 runs in 7 IPL 2026 matches at an average of 10.33, with a highest of 23.
• His poor form has contributed to RCB's middle-order collapse, leading to their third loss of the season against GT.
• GT chased down 155 in 15.5 overs, with Shubman Gill (43 off 18) and Jos Buttler (39 off 19) leading the way.
• RCB's net run-rate dropped from +1.9 to +1.4, though they remain second on the points table.
• The team management may consider changes to the middle order if Jitesh's form does not improve soon.
• RCB's playoff hopes depend on resolving their batting fragility in the middle overs.