IPL 2026 RCB vs CSK: Lots of people have forgotten that we are champions: RCB vice-captain Jitesh Sharma

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vice-captain Jitesh Sharma said that the tag of a defending champion was not pressure-inducing.

“Mo Bobat, director [of cricket], clearly said we are not defending… we are chasing the title,” Jitesh stated here on Saturday (April 5, 2025), ahead of RCB’s clash against the Chennai Super Kings.

“We are hungry like we were last year. Lots of people have forgotten that we are champions. This is a new season. But we have the confidence that we have achieved something. With that confidence, we are going forward.”

By the time RCB will line up for its game against CSK, a full week would have passed since Rajat Patidar’s men played a match – the IPL opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which they won by six wickets. But Jitesh felt that the long gap wouldn’t affect the team’s momentum.

“Our management kept everyone on their toes. Even during the break, we played a practice game. So, we are very close to that intensity. We are not thinking that our team had a break.”

Despite CSK’s twin losses to Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, Jitesh said Ruturaj Gaikwad’s outfit cannot be taken lightly.

“It can be anyone’s day. Someone can score runs. Someone can take a five-for. You can’t judge that the next game will be the same if someone had a bad match in the previous game. We should respect all opponents equally, irrespective of what they have done in the past.”