IPL 2026: ‘We are not defending, we are chasing’ – Jitesh Sharma reveals RCB’s mindset ahead of CSK clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday, April 5 in the Indian Premier league (IPL) 2026. RCB wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma spoke about the preparation for the crucial clash in the pre-match press conference,

Speaking on team approach vs CSK:

“I think it’s very simple, we are just focussing on our own process rather than thinking about what they have done in the last one week. We are just focussing on our preparation, that’s it, that’s the simple thing.”

Speaking on leadership responsibility as Vice-Captain and batting impact:

“I think whenever you get the responsibility, you feel grateful and privileged and I take extra effort to give something to my team. Whatever possible, how I can contribute to the win, I think that gives you extra responsibility when you are in the leadership role.”

Speaking on record (3-0 vs CSK) and pressure:

“After coming here, I came to know about the 3-0 equation. As a player, as a unit, we always focus on one game at a time rather than thinking about the records. We are just trying to be present and plan what our strengths are and what are their weaknesses.”

Speaking on playing against fast bowling:

“Recently I played in Australia, I think I scored a little bit of runs there, so I am working on it against fast bowlers. As a player there is always scope, no one is perfect in this world, I think improving is the key for every successful player.”

Speaking on bowling performance in T20s:

“This T20 format is like this, you will never have a perfect game. It is about the margin of how many runs you can give, there is no lack in the bowling unit. On flat tracks, bowlers have very little margin, so it’s about controlling 10-15 runs here and there, and I think bowlers are doing a wonderful job.”

Speaking on par score and conditions at Chinnaswamy:

“There is no particular score, it depends on the day. That’s the beauty of powerplay, it might be good and you might finish on 240, or you might end up at 180-190. You really can’t judge beforehand.”

Speaking on maintaining intensity during the break:

“We are blessed to have such a great management, they have kept everyone on the toes. Even in this break we played a practice game, so we are very close to that match intensity. We are training at a high intensity and it doesn’t feel like we had a long break.”

Speaking on unpredictability of T20 performances:

“T20 is all about the day. It can be a good day for someone where he scores runs or takes a five-wicket haul. You can’t judge a player based on one game, the next day he can come back and play a magical innings, so we respect every opponent equally.”

Speaking on defending champions tag:

“Frankly speaking, it is irrelevant. As our director of cricket Mo Bobat said, we are not defending, we are chasing the title. This is a new season, we have to start one game again at a time, but with the confidence of what we have achieved.”

Speaking on impact player rule:

“If you ask me personally, I think it’s a good thing. Our Indian players are getting one more chance, so why not? Someone who is on the bench is getting an opportunity, so I am happy for that.”

Speaking on preparation during the week:

“First day we took a break, did recovery like swimming and gym. Then we played a very high-intensity practice game where we tried to create pressure situations. We are trying to replicate whatever can happen in a match, so that tactically and mentally we are prepared for anything.”