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From simulation-based practice to dead silence- How Jitesh Sharma was betrayed for T20 WC?

Sakshi Sharma

Jitesh Sharma (Source: AFP)Jitesh Sharma (Source: AFP)

In a significant development, Jitesh Sharma has been left out of India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad, not for poor performance but due to team-combination preferences. Jitesh has carved a niche for himself as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter and has often been preferred over Sanju Samson in recent T20 setups to maintain balance in the playing XI.

However, it is important to mention that, according to reports (Times of India), Jitesh was part of the team management’s playing XI plans for the World Cup. He had also been preparing for match situations where he would face only 5-7 balls as a finisher. However, the team decided to replace him with Ishan Kishan to suit a new strategy.

Jitesh Sharma's top form not enough?

Jitesh had a breakthrough IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), playing a key role in their maiden title win in 2025. In T20Is, he had been India’s preferred finisher, playing seven consecutive matches against Australia and South Africa after Asia Cup 2025.

Taking a look at his IPL 2025 stats, the star has played 15 matches and scored 261 runs at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of 176.35. In T20Is, he has played 16 games and made 162 runs at an average of 18.00 and a strike-rate of 151.40. This year, Jitesh has played 7 T20I matches and made 62 runs at a strike-rate of 158.97.

Jitesh Sharma has always made the most of every opportunity and performed well. If we take a look at his stats, he has played 22 balls against South Africa and scored 37 runs. And against Australia in October, he has played 17 balls and made 25 runs.

Why did India go without Jitesh Sharma?

Despite these performances, he became replaceable because India needed flexibility at the top of the order with wicket-keepers who could also open, so they went with Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.

With Shubman Gill out of the squad and Rinku Singh included, India wanted a combination that allowed for three potential openers. This meant the team prioritised a wicketkeeper who could also open, rather than a specialist finisher like Jitesh. 

Rinku Singh, considered an all-round finisher capable of handling pace better, was also included to maintain balance.

While Jitesh Sharma’s World Cup dream has been put on hold, his IPL franchise has stood firmly with him. The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to channel this motivation into the upcoming IPL season, aiming to replicate his strong performances and remind selectors of his value.