Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma stated on Saturday that the defending champions tag is 'irrelevant' as the team concentrates on pursuing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 title.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference before RCB’s match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sharma cited RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat, saying, “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.”
Regarding the Impact Player rule in the IPL, Sharma said, “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.” The Impact Player rule, introduced in 2023, allows teams to substitute one player during a match from four named substitutes, giving tactical flexibility to replace a batsman, bowler, or all-rounder depending on match situations.
On the team's preparation, Sharma added, “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.”
RCB began their IPL 2026 campaign strongly with a six-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener. Virat Kohli played a notable unbeaten knock of 38-ball 69, including five fours and five sixes, helping his side chase down the challenging target of 202 runs in 15.4 overs.
The defending champions will face the struggling Chennai Super Kings next on Sunday, who have lost two consecutive matches in the current IPL season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Swapnil Singh, Kanishk Chouhan, Satvik Deswal.