Sun Nov 24 16:32:47 UTC 2024: **RCB Snags Jitesh Sharma for ₹11 Crore in IPL 2025 Mega Auction**

BENGALURU, INDIA – November 24, 2024 – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has acquired Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma for ₹11 crore (approximately $1.3 million USD) in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Sharma, who previously played for Punjab Kings, attracted a bidding war, with several franchises vying for his services. His impressive performances in the previous two IPL seasons, including a strike rate over 155 in IPL 2023, and his recent international T20 debut for Team India, made him a highly sought-after player.

Sharma’s explosive batting style, particularly effective in the lower order, was a key factor in RCB’s decision. In his debut IPL season, he scored 234 runs at a strike rate of 164 in 12 matches. He followed this up with 309 runs at a strike rate over 155 in 14 matches for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023. He has also played 9 T20 internationals for India.

RCB’s spending spree in the auction didn’t stop with Sharma. They also acquired Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore), Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore), and Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore), further bolstering their squad for the upcoming season. The team’s significant investment in these players highlights their ambition for the 2025 IPL season. Sharma’s base price for the auction was ₹1 crore.

Read More