RCB wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma has surprised everyone by excluding Virat Kohli from his all-time IPL XI. This decision comes as Jitesh prepares to play his second season for RCB in IPL 2026. Jitesh joined RCB in 2025, the same year the team won the IPL title after a long 18-year wait. In that season, Virat Kohli played a crucial role in the team's victory, scoring 657 runs.
Jitesh Plays for RCB
Jitesh Sharma was acquired by RCB for Rs 11 crore in the mega auction. This move proved quite beneficial for RCB. He played a significant supporting role in the team's maiden IPL victory. Jitesh was primarily used as a finisher. In the title-winning campaign, he scored 261 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 176.35. His brilliant performance also earned him a place in the Indian team, although he couldn't retain his spot due to Ishan Kishan's return to the team for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Dhoni Named Team Captain
Jitesh has chosen MS Dhoni as the captain of his all-time IPL XI. In an interview with CricTracker, Jitesh selected Rohit Sharma and Adam Gilchrist as openers. Both these players were part of the Deccan Chargers team and won the IPL title in 2009, which was held in South Africa. At number three, he placed India's current T20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav.
The middle order was handled by former South African legends Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers. Following them, MS Dhoni was named the team's captain. Dhoni was placed between Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, giving the team a good balance of fast and spin all-rounders.
This is the bowling unit:
In the bowling department, Varun Chakravarthy was selected as the specialist spinner. He has consistently performed well since joining Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020. The pace bowling attack comprises Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood.
Jitesh Sharma's All-Time IPL XI:
Rohit Sharma, Adam Gilchrist (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (captain), Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood.
