Jitesh Sharma produced arguably the most sensational innings of IPL 2025, hammering 85 off 33 balls* to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a thrilling win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Walking in at a crisis moment with RCB needing 102 off 51 balls and their win probability at 21.09% (ESPNcricinfo Forecaster), Jitesh launched a counterattack that Tom Moody declared, “the innings of the IPL season by a stretch.”
Jitesh Sharma’s 85* off 33 balls might not be the highest score, but it was surely the most impactful. He entered the match when RCB were in deep trouble. With Kohli dismissed and only eight overs left, the chances of winning were slim. According to ESPNcricinfo’s win predictor, RCB had only a 21.09% chance of winning when Jitesh walked in. But he didn’t panic. Instead, he changed the game with powerful hitting and smart placement. He smashed six sixes and eight fours, helping RCB reach the target of 228 easily, like India did in CT 2025.
The game ended with eight balls to spare. Tom Moody even called it the “innings of the season”. Despite pressure, Jitesh played with calmness and control, like a player with years of experience. He made a difficult situation look easy, which makes this innings special
🔥 Match Context: RCB Chasing 228, Kohli Gone, Stakes Sky-High
RCB were chasing 228 after Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 118 off 61, but their top order—Virat Kohli and Phil Salt—were back in the dugout. The pressure was immense.
Jitesh, however, flipped the script. With six sixes and eight fours, he toyed with the LSG field, adjusted to every variation from captain Pant’s bowlers, and made a daunting chase look routine.
“Backs against the wall, Kohli and Salt gone, and yet Jitesh just took the game apart,” said Tom Moody on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out.
🧠 Field Awareness, Smart Hitting & Grit Under Pressure
According to Abhinav Mukund, Jitesh’s ability to learn from RCB’s previous failed chase against SRH made the difference.
“He got a life off a no-ball, but didn’t waste it. That’s what separates good from great,” Abhinav said.
Jitesh’s knock was more than just power—it was intelligent. He manipulated Pant’s field placements, found the gaps, and avoided repeating mistakes from past games like India did against Australia in the semis.
🏆 Orange & Purple Cap Update: Kohli, Marsh Climb; Noor Leads with 24 Wickets
Despite Marsh’s fiery 67 off 37 and a 152-run stand with Pant, LSG couldn’t defend 227. Marsh (627 runs) and Kohli (602) moved into the top five of the Orange Cap standings.
Orange Cap Leaders:
-
B Sai Sudharsan – GT
-
Shubman Gill – GT
-
Suryakumar Yadav – MI
-
Mitchell Marsh – LSG
-
Virat Kohli – RCB
Purple Cap Leaders:
-
Noor Ahmad – CSK (24 wickets)
-
Prasidh Krishna – GT (23)
-
Trent Boult – MI (19)
🧩 Pant Reflects: “LSG Didn’t Play 40 Overs of Good Cricket”
Despite his magnificent century, Rishabh Pant admitted LSG’s inability to play consistent cricket across both innings cost them dearly.
“20 good overs won’t save you. That’s been our story,” said Pant, referring to fielding lapses and bowlers conceding 113 runs in just 7 overs.
🥉 RCB’s Chase Now 3rd Highest in IPL History
RCB’s 230/4 becomes the third-highest successful chase in IPL history, behind:
-
Punjab Kings – 262 vs KKR (2024)
-
Sunrisers Hyderabad – 247 vs PBKS (2025)
-
RCB – 230 vs LSG (2025)
Jitesh’s innings will be remembered not just for the numbers but for the context, timing, and audacity like a godfather of sports.
Tom Moody: “This Was The Innings Of The IPL Season”
Tom Moody couldn’t stop praising Jitesh Sharma’s brilliant performance. He called it “the innings of the IPL season by a stretch.” Moody explained how the situation was difficult, with Kohli and Salt already out. The pressure was high, and LSG had the upper hand.
But Jitesh didn’t just hit big; he also played smart cricket. He read the field well and hit boundaries in open spaces. Moody highlighted how Jitesh looked like a seasoned finisher, showing maturity beyond his years. He played with perfect timing, using the gaps cleverly. It wasn’t just power-hitting; it was intelligent batting under pressure. Moody said that’s what made the knock so special.
Jitesh ignored the pressure and trusted his game plan. His shot selection was excellent, and his confidence never dipped. Even when odds were against RCB, Jitesh turned the match around with class and courage.
Jitesh Played Smart and Took Advantage of Field Placements
One of the best things about Jitesh’s innings was his awareness. He didn’t just swing blindly; he played according to the field. Rishabh Pant made a century and did many field changes to stop the flow of runs. But Jitesh used those changes to his advantage. He found gaps with ease and hit boundaries into empty spaces.
That’s not just power; that’s pure cricketing intelligence like Ricky Ponting. He waited for the right ball and then attacked. This is what separated him from other power-hitters. His placement was spot on, especially in the cover and midwicket regions. Every shot had purpose and planning behind it, like Zimbabwe did in beating teams like India to create upsets.
Even when LSG tried to stop him, he stayed one step ahead. These small things made a big impact. His ability to adapt to the changing field shows how clever and skilled he is.
Jitesh’s Luck Helped, But He Made It Count
Every great innings has some lucky moments, and Jitesh’s was no different. He survived a run-out at the non-striker’s end early in his innings. He also got a second life when a delivery turned out to be a no-ball. But the important thing is what he did after getting lucky.
Abhinav Mukund pointed out that he learned from RCB’s last loss. In their previous game against SRH, RCB were ahead but still lost. That memory pushed Jitesh to make better decisions this time.
After the no-ball reprieve, he stayed focused and didn’t repeat mistakes. Luck can help, but making use of it is what matters most. And Jitesh did just that. He turned his lucky moments into a match-winning knock. It was not just about fortune; it was also about how well he used it with the confidence he gained in domestic cricket.
📌 Conclusion: IPL 2025 Has a New Hero – Jitesh Sharma Delivered When It Mattered the Most
Middle-order batters are often expected to finish games under pressure. And Jitesh delivered that perfectly in this match. He came in when the required run rate was over 13 per over. But instead of panicking, he remained calm and played smart shots. He knew when to go big and when to rotate strike.
That’s exactly what teams pay big money for in the IPL. He didn’t let pressure take control. Even with a centurion on the other team (Pant), Jitesh stole the spotlight. Abhinav said, “This is what you want from your middle-order batters in big games.” And he’s right.
On a night when Pant’s 118* should have been the headline, Jitesh’s 85* became the talking point. That tells you everything about the quality and impact of his performance.
In a league filled with batting giants, Jitesh Sharma has announced himself with a career-defining knock. For a player often flying under the radar, this was his “I’ve arrived” moment. If IPL 2025 needed a defining individual performance, Jitesh just delivered it.
