Jitesh Sharma’s IPL career represents one of cricket’s most remarkable value transformations, evolving from a 20 lakh purchase by Punjab Kings to an 11 crore acquisition by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2025 auction.
The Maharashtra-born wicket-keeper batsman has established himself as one of the most explosive finishers in the Indian Premier League, combining aggressive batting with exceptional glovework behind the stumps.
His journey through multiple IPL franchises showcases the league’s ability to identify and nurture talent, with Sharma’s strike rates consistently exceeding 160 across seasons. This meteoric rise culminated in a staggering 5400% increase in auction value, making him one of the biggest gainers in IPL auction history.
Early IPL Career and Mumbai Indians Stint
Jitesh Sharma first entered the IPL ecosystem in 2016 when Mumbai Indians spotted his potential during an impressive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance. The Amravati-born cricketer had scored 343 runs with a strike rate of 143, including one century and two half-centuries, which caught the attention of MI’s scouting unit. He was purchased for just 10 lakhs in the 2016 auction, marking the beginning of his IPL journey.
During his time with Mumbai Indians from 2016 to 2017, Sharma struggled to break into the playing XI despite his evident talent. The franchise’s star-studded lineup made it challenging for the young wicket-keeper to secure regular opportunities. However, this period served as valuable learning experience, exposing him to high-level cricket and international players.
The Mumbai Indians stint, while limited in terms of playing time, provided Sharma with insights into professional cricket management and team dynamics. His development during this phase laid the foundation for his later success in domestic cricket and eventual IPL breakthrough.
Punjab Kings Breakthrough and Performance Statistics
Jitesh Sharma’s IPL career truly began when Punjab Kings acquired him for 20 lakhs in the 2022 auction. This purchase followed an outstanding domestic season where he scored 214 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with an incredible strike rate of 235.16. PBKS recognized his potential as a middle-order finisher and wicket-keeper.
His debut IPL season in 2022 with Punjab Kings proved his worth immediately. Sharma scored 234 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 163.64, establishing himself as a reliable finisher. His aggressive batting style and ability to accelerate during crucial phases made him an invaluable asset to the team’s middle order.
The 2023 IPL season saw Sharma elevate his performance further, accumulating 309 runs and maintaining his reputation as one of the most destructive batsmen in the tournament. His consistent performances during this period caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his India debut later that year. The combination of IPL success and international recognition significantly enhanced his market value for future auctions.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Acquisition and Market Value
The 2025 IPL auction marked a watershed moment in Jitesh Sharma’s career when Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured his services for 11 crores. This purchase represented a staggering 5400% increase from his previous auction price of 20 lakhs with Punjab Kings. The acquisition made him one of the biggest gainers in IPL auction history.
RCB’s investment in Sharma reflects their confidence in his abilities as both a wicket-keeper and explosive batsman. Despite scoring only 187 runs in 14 matches during his final season with Punjab Kings, his overall IPL track record and strike rate convinced Bengaluru management to make the substantial financial commitment. The franchise likely views him as a long-term solution for their wicket-keeping and finishing requirements.
The mega purchase also indicates the premium placed on Indian wicket-keeper batsmen in the IPL ecosystem. With limited quality options available in this category, franchises are willing to invest heavily in proven performers like Sharma who can fulfill dual roles effectively.
Playing Style and Technical Attributes
Jitesh Sharma’s IPL success stems from his distinctive playing style characterized by aggressive batting and calculated risk-taking. His right-handed approach focuses on powerful hitting, particularly his ability to clear boundaries consistently during pressure situations. The batsman’s technique allows him to score quickly against both pace and spin bowling, making him effective across various match scenarios.
His wicket-keeping skills complement his batting prowess, providing teams with a complete package behind the stumps. Sharma’s agility and quick reflexes make him exceptional at collecting difficult deliveries and executing swift stumpings. This dual capability significantly enhances his value proposition for IPL franchises seeking versatile players.
The Maharashtra cricketer’s strike rate consistently exceeding 160 in IPL competitions demonstrates his ability to maintain aggression while ensuring reasonable consistency. His timing and power-hitting capabilities have made him particularly effective in death overs, where his contributions often prove match-defining for his teams.
International Career Impact on IPL Value
Jitesh Sharma’s international debut for India in October 2023 significantly boosted his IPL market value and reputation. He made his first appearance against Nepal during the 2022 Asian Games, where India won the gold medal. This international recognition validated his domestic and IPL performances, establishing him among India’s premier wicket-keeper batsmen.
His performances in the Australia T20I series further enhanced his credentials, scoring 35 runs off 19 balls in the fourth match and 24 runs off 16 balls in the final game. These international outings demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure against quality opposition. The exposure to international cricket has undoubtedly improved his game awareness and technical skills.
The combination of IPL success and international recognition creates a powerful narrative for franchise purchases. Teams recognize that players with international experience bring additional value through their exposure to high-pressure situations and advanced tactical understanding developed at the highest level.
Future Prospects and Career Trajectory
Looking ahead, Jitesh Sharma’s IPL career appears positioned for continued success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s significant investment reflecting long-term confidence. The franchise’s commitment suggests they view him as a cornerstone player for their future campaigns. His age of 31 years provides several productive seasons ahead, making the 11 crore investment potentially worthwhile.
The wicket-keeper’s experience across multiple IPL franchises provides him with valuable insights into different team cultures and playing philosophies. This accumulated knowledge, combined with his technical skills and international experience, positions him well for leadership roles within the RCB setup.
His career trajectory suggests continued improvement and adaptation to evolving T20 cricket demands. The substantial financial investment by RCB creates additional motivation for Sharma to deliver consistent performances and justify the franchise’s faith in his abilities.
Conclusion
Jitesh Sharma’s IPL journey exemplifies the league’s transformative power in elevating talented cricketers to unprecedented heights. From his humble beginnings as a 10 lakh purchase by Mumbai Indians to becoming Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 11 crore acquisition, his career demonstrates the rewards of persistence, skill development, and seizing opportunities. His explosive batting style, reliable wicket-keeping, and international experience make him a valuable asset for any IPL franchise.
The 5400% increase in his auction value reflects not just his individual growth but also the IPL’s role in identifying and nurturing cricketing talent. As he embarks on his RCB journey, Sharma carries the expectations of justifying one of the tournament’s most significant investments while continuing to entertain fans with his aggressive batting and professional wicket-keeping skills.
