Josh Hazlewood hails Jitesh Sharma as "genius behind the wickets" after crucial DRS call seals RCB’s win over Rajasthan Royals
Josh Hazlewood has heaped praise on Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, calling him a "genius behind the wickets" after Sharma’s pivotal role in RCB’s dramatic 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The turning point of the match came in the 19th over, with Rajasthan needing just 17 runs off 10 balls and Dhruv Jurel anchoring the chase. Hazlewood bowled a wide yorker that appeared innocuous, but Jitesh, showing sharp game awareness, urged captain Rajat Patidar to take a review despite minimal on-field appeal.
The Decision Review System (DRS) revealed a faint edge from Jurel’s bat, confirming Jitesh’s catch and resulting in a crucial wicket that shifted the momentum firmly in RCB’s favor. Hazlewood, who finished with 4-33 and was named Player of the Match, credited Jitesh for his astute reading of the game under pressure. “He’s done a few for me now over the tournament, one in Mumbai, an LBW, and that one tonight,” Hazlewood noted.
Jitesh’s impact didn’t stop there; he also executed a sharp run-out in the final over and contributed a quickfire 20* off 10 balls earlier in the match, underlining his all-round value to the team. His consistent performances have been instrumental in RCB’s resurgence this season.