Jitesh Sharma dismissed talk of rivalry between him and Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeping position in India’s T20 World Cup squad, saying the two share a brotherly relationship despite constant comparisons. Jitesh, who moved ahead of Samson in the selection order, said the Kerala batsman often shares his experiences with him and plays an important role in his development as a cricketer.
The pair trained intensively together during the Indian net on the eve of the match. Samson and Jitesh batted first in the side nets before moving to the practice pitch next to the main strip. Both looked confident, hitting the ball cleanly into the stands full of fans, but Jitesh was preferred over Samson as India’s wicketkeeper for the Cuttack T20I.
Speak after India stunning victory by 101 runs at the beginning of the series, Jitesh said that his relationship with Samson remains strong. “I’m very grateful to have him in the team,” Jitesh said. “Honestly, he is like an elder brother. Healthy competition brings out your talent. It is good for the team as well. There is so much talent. You can feel it. Sanju bhaiya is a great player. I have to compete with him, then I have to be the best. We both try to play for India. We are like brothers. We share a lot of experience.”
Samson, who had a sensational 2024 in which he hit three T20I centuries, including two in South Africa as a wicket-keeper-opener, lost his place at the top of the order to vice-captain Shubman Gill during the Asia Cup in September. Since then, the Kerala batter has been mixed with the lower middle order. On the Australian tour in October, he got a single innings at No.3 before being dropped from the playing eleven in favor of wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.
Gill’s promotion to vice-captain cemented his place at the top, pushing Samson into roles that did not suit his strengths. His returns in the middle order were inconsistent and he missed the pick for the series opener. Samson is not a natural finisher while Jitesh is better suited to the demands of the position, further strengthening the case for his inclusion.
Jitesh has built a reputation as a reliable finisher, especially after playing a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign. Reflecting on the role, he said it required a specific mindset. “It’s a difficult job. Basically, it’s a thankless job, finishing games,” he said. “But I enjoy the pressure. Going to the last six or five overs, I enjoy the pressure and the excitement.”
India lead the five-match series 1-0 and will face South Africa in the second T20I in Mullanpur on Thursday.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 10, 2025
