For the past year, Jitesh Sharma has been floated as one of the brightest leadership prospects in India’s next-gen crop. Sharp behind the stumps, brave with the bat, and calm under pressure, he looked like a natural fit for bigger responsibilities, both in domestic cricket and the IPL. But sometimes, all it takes is one bad night for the narrative to flip.
And that night came in the Asia Cup Rising Stars semi-final against Bangladesh A.
A Costly Leadership Call in the Super Over
India A had the momentum and the personnel to close the game out. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya were the form batters confident, in rhythm, and ideal for a high-pressure Super Over. Yet, when it mattered most, Jitesh didn’t send either of them in. It wasn’t just surprising. It felt like a clear misread of the moment.
The result? Bangladesh A took control, India A lost a match they should’ve won, and the spotlight immediately shifted to Jitesh’s decision-making. In tournaments designed to test temperament and leadership, that one call came across as a red flag.
Has This Hurt His Captaincy Aspirations?
Franchise captains are often defined less by their highs and more by how they manage crunch moments. Jitesh had a chance to show he could think clearly when the stakes were sky-high, but instead, the decision exposed hesitancy.
This doesn’t wipe out his talent. But it does slow down his rise into serious captaincy conversations.
What Does This Mean for RCB?
The IPL defending champion, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been keeping an eye on Jitesh as a potential long-term leadership option, if not immediately as captain, then at least as a future vice-captain. But after the Asia Cup episode, the question becomes unavoidable:
Will RCB still see him as a leadership contender? Or will they quietly move on?
Right now, it could go either way:
If RCB prioritise stability, they may stick with him, understanding that one tactical slip-up doesn’t define a leader.
If they’re rethinking their leadership pipeline, especially after a disappointing season, Jitesh’s missed Super Over call might push him down the list or even out of the setup if they opt for a release.
There’s also the reality that RCB are leaning heavily towards aggressive, instinctive decision-makers. After what happened in the semis, they may simply feel Jitesh needs more polishing.
The Road Ahead
Jitesh Sharma is still a good cricketer with valuable traits. But captaincy is a different beast, one that demands clarity when chaos hits. The Rising Stars semi-final was a test, and unfortunately, it’s one he didn’t ace.
If he wants to re-enter the leadership conversation, he’ll need to show that he’s learnt from this moment, not been defined by it.
