India wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma revealed that he was left heartbroken upon learning about his snub from the 15-member T20 World Cup 2026 team, a day after being in the T20I contingent in Ahmedabad during the South Africa series in December.
The 32-year-old Jitesh earned a comeback into the T20I fold in September 2025 as India began their preparatory bid for the World Cup with the Asia Cup tournament in the United Arab Emirates. While he remained as back-up to Sanju Samson during the tournament, Jitesh soon pipped the Kerala batter after his indifferent form in the middle-order during the Australia tour.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru finisher then played seven games in succession, including India’s last T20I in Ahmedabad. However, a day later, Jitesh found himself out of the rejigged T20I squad unveiled by the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar. India dropped Jitesh along side vice captain Shubman Gill as they recalled Ishan Kishan as the backup opener-cum-wicket-keeper alongside finisher Rinku Singh.
Recalling the snub in an interaction with CricTracker, Jitesh said: “I wasn’t aware of my omission until the squad was announced. After that, I agreed with the explanation given by the selectors in the press conference; it was a valid reason. Later, I had discussions with the coaches and selectors, and I felt their reasoning was fair. I completely understood what they wanted to explain to me, and I agreed with it.”
Jitesh said he moved on from the late snub after interactions with his family and RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik.
“It was heartbreaking, as I had worked very hard to play in the ICC T20 World Cup. But that’s destiny, I can’t deny it. At that moment, I was numb and couldn’t process anything. Spending time with my family and talking to Dinesh Karthik helped me move forward,” Jitesh added.
