3 reasons why RCB should drop Jitesh Sharma against LSG in IPL 2026

Jitesh Sharma has played all nine games of RCB in IPL 2026.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have replicated their brilliant form from the previous season in the Indian Premier League 2026. Winning six of nine games so far, the Rajat Patidar & Co. take the second spot in the points table with 12 points.

As you know, IPL 2026 has reached its final stage. Now, the teams are leaving no stone unturned to qualify for the playoffs. The defending champions are among the favourites to finish in the top four positions.

RCB will face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next clash on May 7. Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkat, Rajat Patidar, and Tim David have been the core strength of RCB’s batting unit so far.

Since the start of the season, Bengaluru have preferred Jitesh Sharma as their wicket-keeper. The right-handed batsman has struggled to score runs; however, Bengaluru have retained him in the playing XI in all the matches.

In this listicle, we discuss three reasons why RCB should drop Jitesh Sharma from the upcoming encounter against LSG.

3. Jitesh’s continuous struggles with the bat

The wicket-keeper batter has continuously struggled to score runs in the tournament. In seven innings, he has scored only 63 runs, with his highest score being 23.

He got out cheaply in every game he came to bat. He has held a strike rate of 112.50 and hit only three sixes, which proves his inability to bat aggressively.

2. Pressure is increasing on the top-order due to Jitesh’s poor form

Notably, Jitesh is responsible for scoring crucial runs in the middle and final overs. However, his poor performance is increasing the pressure on the top order.

Batters like Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar have been forced to perform in every game, as they cannot rely on the lower-order batsmen to support them equally.

1. An out-of-form finisher is a big risk for batting unit

Jitesh was a crucial finisher for RCB last season. He also played a crucial role in helping the team to finish in the top two positions in the points table. However, he has completely failed with that job in IPL 2026. Every team needs a powerful finisher who can rescue the team in case the top or middle order falters.

Moreover, the onus is on the finishers to keep the scoreboard ticking in the final overs. With an out-of-form finisher like Jitesh, Bengaluru are taking a big risk with their batting unit.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.