Jitesh Sharma Talks About Brotherly Bond with Sanju Samson Amid Wicketkeeper Competition
Jitesh Sharma has downplayed any talk of rivalry with Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeper spot in India’s T20 World Cup team. He emphasized the strong, brotherly relationship they share, despite being constantly compared. Jitesh, who has moved ahead of Samson in the selection process, praised the Kerala player for sharing valuable experiences that help him grow as a cricketer.
The two players spent a lot of time training together ahead of a recent match, batting in the nets before making their way to the practice pitch. They both looked confident, hitting the ball well and enjoying the support of the crowd. In the end, Jitesh was chosen over Samson as India’s wicketkeeper for the T20I in Cuttack.
After India secured a convincing 101-run victory in the first match of the series, Jitesh spoke about their strong relationship. “I’m very thankful that he’s part of the team,” he said. “Honestly, he feels like an elder brother to me. Healthy competition brings out the best in us, which is good for the team. Sanju bhaiya is an amazing player, and competing with him pushes me to improve. We both aim to contribute to India, and we often share our experiences to help each other.”
Samson had an impressive run in 2024, scoring three T20I centuries, including two as a keeper-opener in South Africa. However, he lost his place at the top of the order to vice-captain Shubman Gill during the Asia Cup in September. Since then, he has been shifting through the lower middle order, and during the Australia tour in October, he batted only once at No. 3 before being left out in favor of Jitesh.
Gill’s promotion to vice-captain solidified his position at the top, which pushed Samson into roles that didn’t play to his strengths. His performance in the lower middle order has been inconsistent, contributing to his absence from the opening match of this series. While Samson is not naturally suited for the finisher role, Jitesh’s skills in that area made a strong case for his selection.
Jitesh has earned a reputation as a dependable finisher, particularly during his impactful performances for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He reflected on the pressure of that role, saying, “It’s a tough job, and often goes unnoticed, but I thrive on the pressure. I enjoy the excitement of coming in during the final overs.”
As India leads the five-match series 1-0, they look forward to facing South Africa in the next T20I match on Thursday in Mullanpur.
