Jitesh Sharma reveals his all-time IPL XI, leaves out Virat Kohli

Jitesh Sharma shared his all-time IPL XI during an exclusive interview with CricTracker, sparking a surprise decision to exclude his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate and the IPL’s top run-scorer, Virat Kohli. In IPL 2026, Jitesh will play his second season with the defending champions, following a three-year stint with Punjab Kings. He was purchased by RCB for INR 11 crore during the IPL 2025 auction.

As a vital contributor to RCB’s maiden title in the 18th edition of the high-profile tournament, the wicketkeeper-batter finished the season with 261 runs in 11 innings at a blistering strike rate of 176.35. His efforts were pivotal in a campaign where Kohli top-scored with 657 runs, helping RCB claim their first-ever title in the prestigious competition.

He selected the dynamic opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Adam Gilchrist for his team. Rohit, the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, has also led the Mumbai Indians to five title victories. Meanwhile, Gilchrist was instrumental in the now-defunct Deccan Chargers’ title win. At No. 3, Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was chosen.

For pivotal middle-order spots, Jitesh included South African greats Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers. MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings legend and five-time IPL-winning captain, was slotted between Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, with Dhoni leading the team as expected.

Since joining Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020, Varun Chakravarthy has only improved, securing his spot in the XI as the team’s primary spinner. Josh Hazlewood, Jitesh’s RCB teammate, was picked by the 32-year-old to join forces with Mumbai Indians’ pace leader Jasprit Bumrah in the fast-bowling lineup.

Jitesh Sharma’s all-time IPL XI :
Rohit Sharma, Jacques Kallis, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, MS Dhoni (c), Axar Patel, AB de Villiers, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Josh Hazlewood