IPL

Jitesh Sharma’s horror run continues: Rayudu raises major concern for RCB

By CricLook StaffMay 8, 2026
Jitesh Sharma’s horror run continues: Rayudu raises major concern for RCB

Jitesh Sharma's form is becoming a serious headache, isn't it? Another low score, another dismissal that leaves you scratching your head. And now, the legendary Ambati Rayudu has weighed in, raising some very pertinent concerns, specifically for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans, believe it or not.

Sharma, who burst onto the scene with such promise, is currently enduring a slump that's hard to ignore. The numbers don't lie, and they're painting a worrying picture. He looked all at sea against spin in the last outing, and that's not something you usually associate with him. The pressure is mounting, you can see it in his body language. He seems to be second-guessing himself, and in a high-octane tournament like the IPL, that can be fatal.

Rayudu's comments have added fuel to the fire. He didn't mince words, suggesting that RCB, in particular, might be regretting not going harder for Sharma in the auctions. Strong words indeed! Rayudu highlighted Sharma's potential as a game-changer, a finisher who can clear the ropes at will. He questions whether RCB's current middle-order options possess the same explosiveness and raw power that Sharma offers, even in his current form.

Here's the thing: Rayudu's point isn't just about this one slump. It's about the long-term value Sharma brings. We've seen glimpses of his brilliance; those cameos where he just absolutely tonks the ball to all parts of the ground. That's the kind of X-factor that can win you tournaments. And let's be honest, RCB have been searching for that missing piece for years.

But let's not write Sharma off just yet. Every cricketer goes through periods like this. It's how you respond that defines you. He needs to go back to basics, trust his instincts, and not overthink things. Maybe a slight tweak in his technique, a bit more time in the nets against quality spin. The talent is there, no doubt about that. It's about rediscovering that confidence, that swagger that made him such a dangerous player in the first place.

What's fascinating is the tactical ripple effect of Sharma's struggles. Teams are now targeting him with specific plans, exploiting his perceived weakness against spin. They're setting fields to dry him up, forcing him to take risks. And right now, those risks aren't paying off. He's getting cleaned up, top-edging pull shots, just not looking like the same player.

The upcoming matches are crucial for Sharma. He needs to find a way to contribute, to silence the critics, and more importantly, to reassure himself. A couple of quickfire innings could do wonders for his confidence and change the narrative completely. And for RCB fans watching on, they'll be hoping Rayudu's words act as a catalyst, a reminder of the talent that could have been theirs. Keep an eye on how he adapts, because the IPL 2026 season could well hinge on his resurgence.