WATCH: RCB chants echo during Jitesh Sharma’s batting in Vidarbha Pro T20 League match

The Vidarbha Pro T20 League (VPL) Match 13 at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium was enlivened by RCB chants as Jitesh Sharma, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL, batted for NECO Master Blaster (NMB) against Pagariya Strikers (PAS). The RCB chants will be heard from the stands, highlighting Sharma’s growing popularity and the fervent RCB fan base, even in a domestic league. Sharma finished with a quick-fire 21 off 12 balls, including a four and two sixes, yet NMB lost the game by 8 runs, making 157/6 off their 20 overs to PAS's 165/10.

Sharma's innings, although not sufficient for NMB's win, was the center of attraction during the RCB shouts. His 21 runs were off an 18-run over off Dipesh Parwani, and Sharma had been showing his intent, but NMB could not achieve the 166-run mark. The RCB chants, which were recorded in a viral video, spoke volumes of the emotional bond between Sharma and fans, a reflection of RCB's huge fan base, which has more than 21 million Instagram followers, the most followed cricket franchise on the platform. Sharma's affiliation with RCB, joining after their momentous IPL title victory, placed him amongst the fans, showing just how popular he has become!

Watch the video here

Also Read: VPL 2025, Match 13: Pagariya Strikers vs NECO Master Blaster Full Match Highlights

RCB's Fan Base Influence

The RCB chants that resounded throughout Sharma's stint at bat signified the reach of the franchise's supporters beyond the confines of the IPL. This was a display of the very power of domestic leagues to be venues for broader fan expression. In the 2025 IPL season, Sharma scored 261 off of 11 innings with a strike rate of 176.35, doing his part in contributing to RCB's campaign. His performance in Nagpur, although not an overall view like in the IPL, carried the feeling of his IPL batting, leaving RCB supporters engaged in the VPL.