Overview
- The Ajit Agarkar-led panel left Jitesh Sharma out of India’s 15-member T20 World Cup 2026 squad after he kept in the South Africa T20Is.
- Sanju Samson was named first-choice wicketkeeper, with Ishan Kishan recalled to provide opening cover and effectively replacing Jitesh.
- Jitesh told CricTracker he had no prior intimation of the drop, later discussed it with coaches and selectors, and accepted their explanation.
- He described the snub as heartbreaking but said family support and guidance from RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik helped him move forward.
- Despite a strong finisher’s role in RCB’s 2025 title run (261 runs at a 176.35 strike rate), he now draws attention for an all-time IPL XI that omits Virat Kohli and appoints MS Dhoni as captain.