Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has spoken openly about his emotional reaction to missing out on the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad. He admitted the news left him devastated, especially since he discovered his omission only after the official fifteen-member team announcement.
No Prior Communication from Selectors
Jitesh Sharma confirmed he received no advance notice from the selection committee. "I wasn't aware of my omission until the squad was announced," he told CricTracker. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, and the team management under Gautam Gambhir made their decision public without contacting him first.
Accepting the Decision After Initial Shock
The 32-year-old player described feeling numb initially. "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," Jitesh revealed. He had been a regular in India's T20I setup over the past year, featuring in the squad during the South Africa series in Ahmedabad in December 2025.
However, after the squad announcement, Jitesh engaged in discussions with coaches and selectors. He came to accept their reasoning. "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," he stated.
Performance Numbers and Squad Competition
Jitesh Sharma has played sixteen T20 Internationals for India. His statistics include:
- 162 runs scored
- An average of 18
- A strike rate of 151.40
Despite these figures, the selectors chose other players. They included Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh in the World Cup squad, while also leaving out vice-captain Shubman Gill. Jitesh had returned to the T20I team in September 2025 during the Asia Cup in the UAE. He played seven consecutive matches as India prepared for the World Cup, including the final T20I in Ahmedabad.
Support from Family and Dinesh Karthik
To cope with the disappointment, Jitesh Sharma leaned on his family and RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik. "Spending time with my family and talking to Dinesh Karthik helped me move forward," he shared. This support network played a crucial role in helping him navigate the emotional toll of the snub.
The wicketkeeper-batter's candid admission highlights the personal challenges athletes face when dealing with selection decisions. His journey from shock to acceptance underscores the professional resilience required at the highest levels of international cricket.
