Jitesh Sharma rules out competition for wicket-keeper spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad And himself and Sanju Samson Jitesh said that even though there are constant comparisons between them, the two share a brotherly bond.
Jitesh, who has overtaken Sanju in the team selection order, added that Sanju has been sharing his experiences and playing an important role in his growth as a cricketer.
The two had been training together in the net sessions ahead of the match. Sanju and Jitesh batted first in the nets near the boundary and then on the practice pitch adjacent to the main pitch. Both of them confidently bowled the ball into the packed stands, but Jitesh got the chance as the wicketkeeper in the Cuttack T20.
Jitesh was speaking after India won the first match of the series by 101 runs. He said that his relationship with Sanju is still going strong. “I am very grateful to have him in the team,” said Jitesh.
“Honestly, he is like an elder brother to me. When there is healthy competition, your skills come out. It is good for the team. Sanju bhai is a great player. I have to compete with him and that is when I have to give my best. We are both trying to play for India. We are like brothers. We share a lot of experience with each other and he helps me a lot,” Jitesh added.
Sanju, who scored three T20I centuries in 2024, including two in South Africa as a keeper-opener, lost the opening slot to vice-captain Shubman Gill at the Asia Cup in September. After that, the Kerala star was forced to play in the midfield. During the Australian tour in October, Sanju was left out of the playing eleven after Jitesh Sharma was selected as wicketkeeper.
Gill’s promotion to vice-captain cemented his opening position, which pushed Sanju into roles that didn’t suit his strengths. Sanju’s performance in the middle order was inconsistent and this led to him missing out in the first match.
Sanju is not a natural finisher but Jitesh was included because he better suited the requirements of the position.
Jitesh has already gained attention as a reliable finisher after playing a key role in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s title triumph. Talking about this role requires a certain mindset, he said.
“It’s a tough job. Basically, finishing matches is a thankless job. But I enjoy that pressure. When I get down to the last five or six overs, I enjoy the excitement and the pressure,” he said.
India lead the five-match series 1-0. The next match will be against South Africa at Mullanpur on Thursday.
