Liam Livingstone Vs Jitesh Sharma: IPL Stats Comparison Of RCB Finishers

Liam Livingstone vs Jitesh Sharma [Source: @IPL/x]

Royal Challengers Bangalore, forever in pursuit of middle-order firepower, have bolstered their arsenal with two explosive finishers ahead of IPL 2025. In a high-stakes bidding war at the mega auction last November, they secured the services of Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma, former Punjab Kings teammates now tasked with scripting late-order heroics in RCB’s colours.

Considering that the franchise shelled out nearly ₹20 crore to acquire both Livingstone and Sharma, the spotlight now shifts to which of the two can emerge as RCB’s most reliable finisher in IPL 2025.

In a bid to determine the more effective option between the two explosive former Punjab Kings stars for the RCB, let’s take a closer look into their stats in the slog overs.

Liam Livingstone vs Jitesh Sharma in IPL Slog Overs (16-20)

Table – Liam Livingstone & Jitesh Sharma IPL Stats in Death Overs (16-20)

Breaking Down The Numbers

• Superior Strike Rate: Liam Livingstone holds an astonishing strike rate of 216.8 while batting in the slog overs of IPL games. While Jitesh Sharma also holds an astounding strike rate of 188.6, his numbers fall way below the lanky Englishman.
• Better Average: Carefree Liam Livingstone also holds a better batting average of 25.8 in the slog overs in comparison to Jitesh Sharma’s 17.6.
• Boundary-Conquering Abilities: Liam Livingstone has smeared 43 boundaries, including 26 maximums, in just the 131 deliveries he has faced in the IPL death overs. In comparison, Jitesh Sharma has bludgeoned 37 boundaries off 140 balls.

Verdict:

In terms of raw power, Liam Livingstone will likely lead the charge for RCB in IPL 2025. However, with Jitesh Sharma’s numbers not far behind, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter could also stake his claim as a dependable finisher.

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Liam Livingstone vs Jitesh Sharma Against Pacers In IPL Slog Overs

Table – Liam Livingstone & Jitesh Sharma IPL Stats in Death Overs (16-20) Against Pacers

Breaking Down The Numbers

• More Fearsome Against Pacers: While Jitesh Sharma holds a lightning batting strike rate of 186.1 against fast bowlers and medium pacers in IPL slog overs, his teammate and England international Liam Livingstone possesses an even better strike rate of nearly 250 under the same scenario.
• Consistency: In terms of batting average against pacers in the slog overs of IPL games, Liam Livingstone (43.3) once again pips out Jitesh Sharma (20.6).
• Six-Hitting Master: Liam Livingstone has clattered 25 sixes in just 105 balls against pacers in the death overs, thus making up for an incredible average of one six in nearly four balls. Jitesh Sharma, on the other hand, has also accumulated an impressive haul of 16 maximums, albeit from 122 deliveries.

Verdict:

Against oppositions that mostly relies on fast bowlers/medium pacers in their slog overs, the RCB team management will likely reserve Liam Livingstone to close out the innings. Speaking of, Jitesh Sharma also holds formidable numbers against the quicks of IPL.

Liam Livingstone vs Jitesh Sharma Against Spinners In IPL Slog Overs

Table – Liam Livingstone & Jitesh Sharma IPL Stats in Death Overs (16-20) Against Spinners

Breaking Down The Numbers

• Who Can Trouble Spinners More? In terms of strike rate, Jitesh Sharma is miles ahead of Liam Livingstone’s dismal 91.7 against spin bowlers in the slog overs. Sharma has clobbered 37 runs off just 17 deliveries at the death to possess a strike rate of 217.6. The Indian stumper also seems to enjoy dealing in sixes with the tweakers, as he is yet to hit a single four.
• Better Average: For Liam Livingstone, combating spinners in IPL slog overs feels like a survival game, one he often struggles with. According to the stats, he averages just 4.4 against spin bowlers. While Jitesh Sharma also holds a lowly average of 12.3, his strike rate suggests that he manages to get the job done before making his way back to the dugout.

Verdict:

Judging by the numbers, the RCB management will likely unleash Jitesh Sharma against spin-heavy opponents during the slog overs.

Final Verdict: Who Will Be The Better Finisher For RCB In IPL 2025?

• If RCB is looking for pure muscle and slog-overs fireworks, especially against fast bowlers and medium pacers, Liam Livingstone is the player to resort to.
• If RCB needs a composed head in the middle, one who can rotate the strike better and hit an odd boundary to calm a tense run-chase, Jitesh Sharma seems to be a better option.
• Jitesh Sharma is also a more likely contender to come up clutch against spin bowlers in the slog overs, courtesy of his past record, coupled with Liam Livingstone’s dismal run.

To close out, RCB now has two ex-Punjab Kings batters raring to go berserk in the slog overs of IPL 2025. While Liam Livingstone boasts a better track record at the death, Jitesh Sharma’s impressive numbers and shrewdness will also be invaluable for the Rajat Patidar-led side.

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