Jitesh Sharma’s Bizarre 'Losing is Good' Claim After RCB’s 42-Run Loss to SRH :
Lucknow, India - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma's post-match remarks after their comprehensive 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have landed with a thud among the franchise's passionate fanbase. In a statement that has quickly gone viral and drawn considerable ire, Sharma suggested that "sometimes losing is good," attempting to frame the setback as a valuable learning experience.
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The context of the loss makes Sharma's comment particularly jarring. RCB, battling for a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 points table and the crucial advantage of two shots at the final, suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of an SRH side already out of playoff contention. A dominant batting display by SRH, spearheaded by Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 94, saw them post a formidable 231/6. Despite an aggressive start by Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, RCB's chase faltered dramatically, losing their final seven wickets for just 16 runs to be bowled out for 189.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Sharma, who was leading the team in the absence of Rajat Patidar, stated, "Yes, we were rusty. The intensity was not there initially. After the 6-7 overs mark, we were there. In the death, we were bowling more accurately and more precise. But it's good to lose this game, I feel. Sometimes losing a game is a very good sign because you can check and analyse where you are lacking. If you keep winning, you don't see your mistakes, and you keep going with the flow. The positive thing is that everyone's chipping in. After this loss, we will see how the setup is. We will move forward from here."
While the sentiment of introspection and learning from mistakes is not inherently flawed, the timing and phrasing of Sharma's comment have been widely criticized. Fans, already reeling from a significant blow to their team's top-two aspirations, took to social media to express their dismay. Many pointed out that with the playoffs looming and every match carrying immense significance for positioning, a defeat of this magnitude, particularly one that exposed clear shortcomings in both batting and bowling, is far from "good."
"Sometimes losing is good? Is he serious? This loss has severely impacted our chances of a top-two finish," one fan fumed on X (formerly Twitter). Another commented, "This is not the time for philosophical statements, Jitesh. We needed to win this game." The sentiment echoed across various platforms, with many accusing Sharma of downplaying the severity of the loss and showing a lack of urgency.
The defeat sees RCB slip to third in the standings, making their path to the Qualifier 1 much more challenging. They now face a must-win final league stage match against Lucknow Super Giants and will be dependent on other results to secure a top-two spot.
Sharma's comment about not having met injured teammate Tim David after the game because he was "upset I got out" also raised eyebrows, adding to the perception of a disconnect with the team's immediate concerns.
While a captain's role often involves maintaining a positive outlook, Sharma's seemingly casual take on a critical loss has undoubtedly left a bitter taste in the mouths of RCB's loyal supporters, highlighting the intense pressure and high stakes that define the business end of the IPL. The team will now need to bounce back decisively in their final league fixture to restore faith and keep their playoff hopes firmly alive.