'I found out only after the squad was announced': 'Heartbroken' Jitesh Sharma opens up on T20 World Cup snub

NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has revealed that he was left devastated after learning of his omission from India’s 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, admitting that he came to know about the decision only after the official squad announcement.

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Jitesh, a regular in India’s T20I set-up over the past year, said the news came as a shock, especially as he had been part of the T20I squad in Ahmedabad during the South Africa series in December 2025.




“I wasn’t aware of my omission until the squad was announced,” Jitesh told CricTracker, confirming that there was no prior communication from the selectors before the announcement. “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.”

The 32-year-old, who has played 16 T20Is for India, has scored 162 runs at an average of 18, with an impressive strike rate of 151.40. However, those numbers were not enough to convince the Gautam Gambhir-led team management and the Ajit Agarkar-headed selection committee to include him in the World Cup squad.

Jitesh admitted that while he eventually accepted the selectors’ logic, the emotional toll of the snub was difficult to process 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,” he said.

The wicketkeeper-batter credited RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik and his family for helping him navigate the disappointment. “Spending time with my family and talking to Dinesh Karthik helped me move forward,” Jitesh added.

Jitesh had returned to the T20I set-up in September 2025 during the Asia Cup in the UAE and went on to feature in seven consecutive matches as India intensified their World Cup preparations, including the final T20I in Ahmedabad. Despite that run, he was overlooked as the selectors opted for Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh, while also leaving out vice-captain Shubman Gill.


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