Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has credited his role as vice-captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for adding a "certain edge" to his performance, noting that the leadership experience has made him feel more responsible and focused on team contributions.

Speaking ahead of RCB's next match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Jitesh reflected on the team's historic 2025 IPL title win, where he played a crucial role as a finisher, scoring 261 runs at a staggering strike rate of 176.35.

"I think whenever you get the responsibility, you feel grateful and privileged and I take extra effort to give something to my team ... how can I contribute to RCB," Jitesh said in the pre-match presser.

"I think that gives you an extra responsibility when you are vice-captain of the team," he added.

The 32-year-old also discussed his efforts to improve batting performance, specifically against fast bowlers, to contribute more to his team.

"I am working against fast bowlers. I think as a player, there is always scope (to improve). No one is perfect in this world. I think improving is the key for every successful player," he stated.

Jitesh Sharma made it clear that entering the 2026 IPL season as defending champions has not changed RCB’s mindset or intensity.

"Irrelevant, Frankly speaking. Mo Bobat, our director, clearly said we are not defending (the title). We are chasing the title. We are hungry like we were last year. Lots of people have forgotten that we are champions.

"This is a new season. We have to start a new game and take one game at a time. But we have that confidence that we have achieved something. With that confidence, we are just going forward," he remarked.

Despite a week-long break after their opening match in the 2026 season, Jitesh assured that the team maintained high intensity through practice games.

"First day (after the match against SRH) we took a break - swimming, gym, everything. The next day we played a very high intensity practice game. We tried to create some pressure situations for all the players. What worst situation can come in front of you, you don't know.

"We just tried to replicate whatever can come in front of you. We were tactically and intelligently trying to replicate everything we have done in practice games. So, we are very close to that intensity. So, we are not thinking that our team has a 7-day break. Or a 5-day break. We are training at a high intensity," he explained.

Jitesh did not read too much into CSK's dismal start to the season, where they suffered two defeats in as many matches.

"We are just focussing on our own process rather than thinking about what they (CSK) have done in the last one week. You cannot judge it like that. It's all about the day. It can be anyone's day. A player can score runs or can take a fifer. That's the T20's beauty," he said.

Regarding Josh Hazlewood's fitness, Jitesh Sharma stated he did not have direct information, noting that the management would provide the correct update.

"Right now, I don't have any idea about it. Frankly speaking, I think management will give you the right answer," he concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)