‘Keep it simple and focus on the process’ – Jitesh Sharma reveals MS Dhoni’s advice to him during IPL [Exclusive]

After the IPL matches of Chennai Super Kings, images of MS Dhoni interaction with young Indian cricketers from the opposition side is a common occurrence. Young people try to pick the brain of the tough guy because they know how useful it can be for their career.

Baroda’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh, who plays for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, said Dhoni advised him to keep things simple and focus on the process.

“To be honest, I didn’t get to talk to him much. Normally we just shake hands after the match. But I did get a chance to interact with him once, and he told me to keep things simple and focus on the process,” Jitesh said during an exclusive interview with CricTracker.

Jitesh Sharma on Chepauk and Chinnaswamy fans’ reactions to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli’s arrival

Jitesh was asked to give his opinion on the fans’ reactions when MS Dhoni walked out to bat at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Amrawati native said the Chepauk crowd goes crazy seeing Dhoni and their reactions are similar to those of the RCB fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium when Virat Kohli makes his way to the crease.

“There is no need to say anything about it, everyone is aware of it. Whenever he walks to Chepauk, the entire crowd in Chennai goes crazy, just like the Chinnaswamy crowd in Bengaluru goes crazy when Kohli comes to bat,” the 32-year-old said.

Jitesh was one of the best performers for RCB during their triumphant IPL 2025 campaign. The experienced campaigner scored 261 runs in 15 matches at an average of 37.29 and a strike rate of 176.35.

He was part of the Indian team during the five-match T20I series against South Africa last month. However, he was replaced by Ishan Kishan for the upcoming T20I matches against New Zealand and the subsequent T20 World Cup.

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