Jitesh Sharma opens up on 'heartbreaking' T20 World Cup exclusion
Indian cricketer Jitesh Sharma has spoken candidly about his sudden omission from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. The wicket-keeper batter described the news as a devastating blow that left him stunned and emotional.
The unexpected squad announcement
Jitesh Sharma revealed he had no prior knowledge about his exclusion until the official squad announcement. "I wasn't aware of my omission until the squad was announced," Jitesh told CricTracker in a recent interview. The 32-year-old player had just completed seven consecutive matches for India, including the final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad.
Just one day after that Ahmedabad match, selectors unveiled a reworked squad that didn't include Jitesh. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar made the announcement that shocked the cricketer. India dropped both Jitesh and vice-captain Shubman Gill while recalling Ishan Kishan as backup opener and wicket-keeper alongside finisher Rinku Singh.
From comeback to disappointment
Jitesh Sharma had earned his way back into the T20I team in September 2025. India began their World Cup preparations with the Asia Cup tournament in the United Arab Emirates. During that tournament, Jitesh served as backup to Sanju Samson.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru finisher soon surpassed Samson after the Kerala batter showed inconsistent form in the middle-order during Australia's tour. This opportunity led to Jitesh playing those seven consecutive games that made his subsequent exclusion even more surprising.
Processing the decision
After the initial shock, Jitesh said he understood the selectors' reasoning. "After that, I agreed with the explanation given by the selectors in the press conference; it was a valid reason," he explained. The cricketer had further discussions with coaches and selectors who helped clarify their decision-making process.
Jitesh emphasized that he completely understood their perspective and agreed with their assessment. He acknowledged the fairness in their approach despite the personal disappointment he felt.
Emotional impact and recovery
The cricketer didn't hide how deeply the snub affected him. "It was heartbreaking, as I had worked very hard to play in the ICC T20 World Cup," Jitesh confessed. He described feeling numb immediately after hearing the news, unable to process what had happened.
Jitesh found solace through two important support systems. First, he spent quality time with his family who helped him through the difficult period. Second, he consulted with Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach Dinesh Karthik whose guidance proved invaluable.
"Spending time with my family and talking to Dinesh Karthik helped me move forward," Jitesh shared. These conversations helped him accept what he called destiny and begin moving past the disappointment.
Looking ahead
While the T20 World Cup snub remains a painful memory, Jitesh Sharma has chosen to focus on future opportunities. His recent performances demonstrate his continued value to Indian cricket. The cricketer's openness about this experience provides insight into the emotional challenges professional athletes face during selection processes.
Jitesh's story highlights how even established players must navigate unexpected setbacks in their careers. His ability to understand selectors' decisions while processing personal disappointment shows maturity that could serve him well in future competitions.
