Jitesh Sharma names Ruturaj Gaikwad the most underrated cricketer
In a light-hearted chat with Crictracker, RCB wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma picked fellow players across different categories — and his choice for the most underrated player was Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Jitesh backed the praise with Gaikwad’s consistent numbers across formats, calling him a quietly accomplished performer who deserves more recognition.
Why Gaikwad?
Jitesh pointed to Gaikwad’s impressive record in the IPL and domestic cricket. The right-hander has crossed the 2,500-run mark in the IPL at an average of over 40 across 71 matches. He’s also delivered for India in T20 internationals, averaging nearly 40 with a strike rate above 143 in 23 innings. Add to that his first-class and List A averages — both excellent — and it’s easy to see why Jitesh feels Gaikwad is underrated.
Fun picks from the RCB dressing room
The quickfire segment saw Jitesh hand out other playful but telling compliments to peers and idols.
- Most fashionable: Virat Kohli — Jitesh picked his RCB teammate for his style and presence off the field.
- The ‘King’: Jasprit Bumrah — called remarkable for his match-winning pace and control.
- Fighter: Jitesh picked himself — a confident nod to his own grit and contributions.
- ‘Genius’: Dinesh Karthik — Jitesh praised RCB’s batting coach and mentor for his tactical acumen.
- Calm: Rajat Patidar — lauded for composure under pressure.
- Leader: Hardik Pandya — acknowledged for captaincy and on-field leadership qualities.
Jitesh and Kohli were among the key contributors during RCB’s memorable run to their first IPL title last season, which makes these backstage observations all the more interesting for fans.
All-time greats according to Jitesh
When the conversation moved to legends, Jitesh didn’t hold back.
- Best batter of all time: AB de Villiers — Jitesh instantly named the RCB great, who sits high in IPL history with 5,162 runs at an average close to 40 and a strike rate of 151.68 from 184 matches. De Villiers’ international career also includes more than 20,000 runs and 47 centuries, underlining his standing as one of cricket’s most complete hitters.
- Greatest bowler: Zaheer Khan — Jitesh picked the former left-arm seamer, pointing to his long international service and key role in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup campaign.
- Best captain: Ricky Ponting — the Australian legend, fourth on the list of all-time international run-scorers, and the leader who lifted the ODI World Cup in 2003 and 2007.
- Best wicketkeeper: Adam Gilchrist — Jitesh highlighted Gilchrist’s impact both behind the stumps and with the bat; Gilchrist ranks high in wicketkeeping dismissals and was central to Australia’s World Cup successes in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
Chatty, honest and rooted in respect
Jitesh’s answers blended humour, affection and clear respect for both current performers and past greats. His nod to Ruturaj Gaikwad as “underrated” will resonate with fans who have watched the young batter carve out consistent performances across formats, while his praise for teammates and legends shows the mix of admiration and team spirit inside the RCB camp.