Could Jitesh’s Unbeaten 85 Against LSG Be the Best Innings of IPL 2025?

Synopsis
In a thrilling IPL 2025 match, Jitesh Sharma's unbeaten 85 led RCB to victory, declaring it the season's best innings according to Tom Moody. Discover how this performance not only showcased Jitesh's skill but also challenged the odds against LSG, marking a historic moment for RCB.
Key Takeaways
- Jitesh Sharma's unbeaten 85 is hailed as the best innings of IPL 2025.
- RCB achieved a historic milestone by winning all their away matches this season.
- Tom Moody praised Jitesh's maturity and performance under pressure.
- Jitesh learned from past mistakes, showcasing growth as a player.
- RCB is poised for a strong playoff run after this victory.
New Delhi, May 28 (NationPress) Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody has proclaimed Jitesh Sharma's unbeaten 85 as the standout performance of the IPL 2025 season, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a remarkable six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
At the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Jitesh's stunning innings, featuring six sixes and eight fours, propelled RCB to chase down 228 runs, marking the third-highest successful run chase in their IPL history. This victory secured RCB a spot in the Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings on Thursday, and they became the first team in IPL history to win all seven away matches in a single season.
"In my opinion, this is the innings of the IPL season by a significant margin. We've witnessed exceptional performances from both seasoned players and newcomers, but this one is truly extraordinary! The team faced immense pressure - with backs against the wall, Kohli and (Phil) Salt on the bench," Moody stated on ESPNCricinfo.
“Despite the challenges, he remained unfazed and dismantled the opposition. He approached the game with remarkable intelligence, as if he had experienced such situations many times before,” Moody added.
Former India batsman Abhinav Mukund praised Jitesh for learning from previous errors in RCB’s loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, highlighting the slices of luck he encountered during his innings - avoiding a run-out, benefiting from a no-ball reprieve, and escaping a run-out attempt at the non-strikers' end from Digvesh Rathi.
"That's a hallmark of any successful IPL player. They were at 172 for 3 in the last match, chasing 232, only to end up with 189 all out. While wickets fell around him, the pressure increased after the timeout.
"I was concerned when he got away with that no-ball, but sometimes luck plays a crucial role. You get a second chance and make sure not to waste it. I'm thrilled for Jitesh, as this is precisely what teams look for in a premium middle-order batsman.
“He has proven his worth time and again. While your top wicketkeeper or World Cup player (LSG skipper Rishabh Pant) scores a century, Jitesh has outdone him with 85 off just 33 balls," he concluded.