Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has revealed that his father died days before the start of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, and that being dropped from the squad allowed him to spend the final days with him. Jitesh said he has no regrets about missing the World Cup, adding that he was fortunate to be by his father’s side when he needed him the most.
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Jitesh, who was India’s second-choice wicketkeeper-batter even until the Asia Cup last year, was left out of the T20 World Cup squad to accommodate an in-form Ishan Kishan. Incidentally, in Jitesh’s absence, India’s wicketkeeper-batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan played a key role in the team’s historic triumph.
Speaking to PTI Videos, Jitesh said he was disappointed when he first heard the news of his omission, but later realised that his father needed his support more.
Jitesh was dropped alongside Shubman Gill as India opted to back two wicketkeepers in the top three for the T20 World Cup.
“When I heard the news, I was a little disappointed. I am also a human, so I did feel sad initially. But my family and friends supported me a lot and that sad phase became short. My father fell ill and passed away on February 1, and I was with him for seven days,” Jitesh said.
“Later I realised my dad needed me more than the World Cup. After that, I have no regrets. I am not angry or anything. I am grateful to God that I could be with him and take care of him in his final days.
“I enjoyed watching the World Cup from home, which is a very different and more stressful feeling than playing. I’m really happy for the boys – they fulfilled the vision of the coach, captain and the team since the Asia Cup. They fulfilled their promise. They really worked hard towards this goal,” he said.
Despite being a mainstay in the national setup in the lead-up to the squad announcement, Jitesh was dropped from the final fifteen.
The decision, spearheaded by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, appeared to be a tactical shift rather than a slight on Jitesh’s ability. Agarkar later clarified that the committee prioritised a wicketkeeper who could provide cover at the top of the order. With Sanju Samson designated as the primary choice behind the stumps, the selectors opted for Kishan, whose blistering form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy proved impossible to ignore-as the specialist backup.
This manoeuvre allowed the team to find room for Rinku Singh’s explosive finishing, a role that Jitesh had been auditioning for with varying success.
JITESH BEGINS PREP FOR RCB RETURN
Jitesh Sharma has not played competitive cricket since his appearance for Baroda in Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic 50-over competition, in January.
However, the 32-year-old, has begun training for IPL 2026 where he will turn up for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
“Preparation-wise, I would like to say that preparations are good. There was a small camp recently, and everyone is looking sharp,” he said.
:Our CEO said last year, after winning the trophy, that we are not defending; we are chasing the trophy. So, I think that’s a very big statement from him because while defending, you are defensive, but when it comes to chasing, you will always be attacking.”
Jitesh played a key role in RCB’s maiden IPL triumph last year. He scored 261 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 176.35, playing the finisher’s role to perfection.
RCB will begin their title defence on the opening day of IPL 2026. The defending champions will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The IPL Governing Council, on Wednesday, announced the schedule for the first 20 matches of the IPL 2026 season, which will be played between March 28 and April 12.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
