In the fast-paced world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where every ball counts, sometimes it’s the quiet decisions that have the biggest impact.
That was the case in Match 42 of IPL 2025, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood praised wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma for a “genius” Decision Review System (DRS) call that changed the course of the match against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
The Decisive Moment: A Game-Changer
It was the kind of moment that could easily go unnoticed in the whirlwind of an IPL match. RR, gaining momentum, looked to build a dangerous partnership. Hazlewood delivered a crucial ball to a batsman who seemed to have edged it.
The umpire, however, missed it, calling the ball not out. For a split second, it seemed like a missed opportunity. But Jitesh Sharma wasn’t convinced.
Sharma, confident there was an edge, urged RCB captain Faf du Plessis to use the team’s review. After a few tense seconds, the replays confirmed it: a faint spike on UltraEdge revealed the edge. The decision was overturned, and RR lost a key wicket. The shift in momentum was instant. RCB eventually sealed a crucial victory, with Sharma’s DRS call at the heart of it.
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Hazlewood’s Praise: A Tactical Masterstroke
In the post-match press conference, Hazlewood wasted no time in praising Sharma’s keen instincts. “That was a genius call from Jitesh,” Hazlewood said. “From my angle, I wasn’t entirely sure.
There was a slight sound, but it could have been anything. Jitesh was so confident, and that gave us the conviction to go for the review. It proved to be a game-changing moment.”
Hazlewood also pointed out how every decision counts in T20 cricket. A dropped catch, a missed stumping, or even a missed DRS call could cost a team dearly. “Jitesh’s awareness and confidence under pressure were exceptional. It’s not just about being a good wicketkeeper; it’s about being a sharp thinker, too,” Hazlewood added.
The Evolving Role of Wicket-Keepers
Sharma’s brilliant DRS call shines a light on the evolving role of wicket-keepers in modern cricket. No longer are they just there to catch balls and stump batsmen. They are now key decision-makers, guiding the team’s strategy and influencing the game’s outcome with sharp observation and quick thinking.
A good wicket-keeper’s value goes far beyond just technical skills. They must have:
- Exceptional awareness: Knowing when a batsman has edged the ball, even when it’s faint.
- Conviction: The confidence to make the call and convince the captain to review the decision.
- A deep understanding of the game: Reading the batsman’s body language, anticipating their shots, and knowing when to act.
- Strong communication skills: Clearly conveying their observations to the captain and bowlers.
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DRS: The Double-Edged Sword
The Decision Review System is a powerful tool but not without its risks. Teams only have a limited number of reviews, and using them recklessly can backfire. To make the most of DRS, a player needs:
- High confidence in their observation.
- Clear evidence visible in the replays.
- An understanding of the umpire’s tendencies.
- A well-calculated risk assessment.
What Makes This Moment So Impactful?
This moment in the IPL is a reminder of how a single decision can shape the outcome of an entire match. Sharma’s sharp thinking and tactical brilliance may seem like a small detail, but it had a massive impact on RCB’s victory.
It also highlights the growing importance of wicket-keepers in today’s game, with their role extending far beyond just taking catches and making stumpings.
As IPL 2025 progresses, RCB’s ability to make these game-changing decisions under pressure could be crucial for their success. The shift in momentum following Sharma’s DRS call was not just a win for RCB on that day—it could be a blueprint for success moving forward.
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Looking Ahead: RCB’s Path to Success
Sharma’s DRS call might seem like a small moment in the grand scheme of things, but it could turn out to be a key turning point for RCB in their pursuit of IPL glory. A team that is aware, quick-thinking, and decisive under pressure is always a contender. If RCB can continue to build on such moments, their chances of a successful season look bright.
In the end, it wasn’t just about the wicket; it was about Jitesh Sharma’s ability to read the game, make the right call, and change the momentum of the match. It’s a reminder that in cricket, like in life, sometimes the smallest decisions can make the biggest difference.
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