Jitesh Sharma's shocking T20 World Cup snub- Unfair call or justified reasoning?

Jitesh Sharma was left out of the T20 World Cup squad [Source: VIPERoffl/X.com]

On Saturday afternoon, India's chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, captain Suryakumar Yadav and the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia named the 15-member squad, which will defend the T20 World Cup title at home from February 7. 

In the announced squad, two major changes were made, where the explosive finisher Jitesh Sharma was sidelined for Ishan Kishan, who recently won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with Jharkhand, while Shubman Gill made way for Rinku Singh.

Since Gill's return to the T20I side, Jitesh had emerged as India's first-choice wicketkeeper and a designated finisher alongside the likes of Hardik Pandya, 

Shivam Dube and Axar Patel in the middle order. However, with him losing his place at the brink of the much-anticipated event, we examine whether the selectors and management have been unfair to him.

Consistency of Jitesh Sharma, the intent merchant

(Jitesh Sharma's record in T20 cricket)

Jitesh Sharma's contribution to RCB's maiden IPL title in 2025

(Jitesh Sharma's record in IPL 2025)

Impactful cameos in IPL 2025

• 12 (6) vs CSK at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
• 40* (19) vs MI at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
• 20* (10) vs RR at M. Chinnawsamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
• 85* (33) vs LSG at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.
• 24 (10) vs PBKS at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad in the Final.

Inference

With a considerable amount of sample size available, Jitesh has proven to be a match-winning finisher who can go all guns blazing from the word go. His strike rate of 176.35 in IPL 2025 shows his recent form against quality oppositions.

His famous knock of 85*(33) as the captain against the Lucknow Super Giants, after coming in to bat at 123/4, during a 228-run chase, showed his ability to stay unfazed under pressure situations, leading the team from the front. Notably, it was also a must-win match for the Royal Challengers to finish in the top-2 in the points table.

While he has not gotten too many chances to bat for India, he has maintained his 150+ strike rate whenever the opportunities have been presented, while also showcasing his wide range of shots and ability to attack any corner of the stadium. He has also shown his prowess at playing spin well.

Conclusion - Was Jitesh hard done by the selectors?

Looking at the performances that Jitesh has produced at every given opportunity and considering he was a part of the squad in the build-up to the mega event in front of the home fans, it can be said that the player did not deserve an exclusion from the final squad.

However, with Shubman Gill out of the squad and replaced by Rinku Singh, the team combination demanded a wicketkeeper batter who could also act as the third opener in the mix — hence, the selection of Ishan Kishan.

 This will allow India to play with their combinations, if they wish to do so. Additionally, Rinku is also considered an all-round finisher, with better ability to bat against pace.

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