The 32-year-old was one of the key players in RCB’s title-winning run last season, bringing composure and violence to the role of finisher. This year that assurance has deserted him. In 10 matches and eight innings, Jitesh has managed only 64 runs at an average of eight, with 23 being his highest score. The contrast with 2025 – 261 runs at 37.2 and a strike rate of 176.4 – is obvious.His failures under pressure have diminished the game awareness that once made him such a reliable option. What is more worrying for RCB is that the fast bowlers have found a clear path through them. Jitesh has been the victim of fast bowling seven times, scoring only 28 runs in eight innings. Even his old comment – ​​”I always pray to God that the top order collapses so that I can bat and score” – has strangely resurfaced amid his poor performance.This is not Jitesh alone. RCB’s batting has looked uncertain in recent matches, especially after the defeats to Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. Phil Salt’s finger injury has troubled the top order and his replacement Jacob Bethel is yet to recover despite flashes of promise. Due to this, the burden on Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and captain Patidar has increased.Mumbai, ranked ninth with six points from 10 matches, are still mathematically alive but have very little room left.Hardik Pandya will not be able to play the match due to back spasm, Suryakumar Yadav will captain the team again after joining the team.