IPL 2026: Why Did Preity Zinta Apologise to Jitesh Sharma? RCB Star Reveals Heartfelt Call After PBKS Exit | Details Inside

Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta is arguably one of the most vibrant IPL owners and believes in well and truly connecting with the players on an emotional level. Jitesh Sharma, who once played for Punjab Kings, has recalled an incident when the Bollywood actress dearly apologised to him.

Why did Preity Zinta apologise to Jitesh Sharma?

Although Jitesh had delivered some promising performances for the Punjab Kings, he was still into the auction ahead of IPL 2025. Although Punjab had used the Right-to-match (RTM) option, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) came up with a bid of ₹11 crore and the former couldn’t match it. Describing Preity as an elder sister, the 32-year-old said in Ranveer Allahbadia’s YouTube channel:

“I see her as an elder sister. When I was with Punjab, she somehow got to know that I am from Himachal. She is also from Himachal. I used to talk to her for hours – just about life, normal discussions. And it was a life-turning moment, getting into Punjab Kings. Whatever I am is because of them. Even in the IPL 2025 auction, they went for me. They used the right-to-match option for me at Rs 7 crore. RCB made it Rs 11 crore, and they (PBKS) could not match it. After that, ma’am called and said, ‘I am very sorry that I could not take you.’ She wanted to pick me. I said, ‘I also wanted to play for you.’ She was very happy that I went for Rs 11 crore.”

RCB walk into IPL 2026 as defending champions

Meanwhile, the Royal Challengers will head into IPL 2026 as defending champions, having finally laid their hands on the coveted trophy last year after defeating the Punjab Kings by six runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Jitesh played an integral role in RCB’s title victory, hitting 261 runs in 15 games at 37.29 while keeping a striker rate of 176.29.

His number of dismissals, which amounted to 20, proved to be the highest in the tournament. The reigning champions will open their 2026 campaign against the SunRisers Hyderabad on March 28, Saturday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The venue was awaiting clearance, given the stampede that took place in the aftermath of RCB’s title win in 2025. However, a government-appointed Expert Committee approved the use of the stadium.

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