As India prepares for a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, all eyes are on the squad composition, especially concerning the wicketkeeper position. Rishabh Pant, who has been a pivotal player for India, is expected to be rested for this series as part of the team’s workload management strategy. This decision leaves an opportunity for new faces to step up, and it seems Vidarbha’s Jitesh Sharma might get his break as the second wicketkeeper-batter.
Jitesh Sharma’s rise has been steady, with performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the IPL, catching the selectors’ attention. Known for his aggressive batting and competent wicketkeeping, Jitesh is now set to accompany Sanju Samson, who will be India’s first-choice gloveman for this T20I series. With Pant focusing on the Test format, particularly the upcoming series against New Zealand, Jitesh’s inclusion adds depth to India’s squad for shorter formats.
The competition for the second wicketkeeper slot has been intense. Ishan Kishan, who had previously been part of India’s limited-overs setup, might miss out due to his selection in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup. This opens the door for Jitesh to make his mark, especially with Kishan’s return delayed.
India’s T20I squad for the series, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will have its first match against Bangladesh on October 6 in Gwalior, followed by matches in Delhi and Hyderabad. With key players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah also likely to be rested, India’s management is focused on maintaining a balance between giving opportunities to emerging players and managing the workload of its stars.
The inclusion of Jitesh in the squad signals India’s intent to explore new talent ahead of bigger tournaments, including the ICC T20 World Cup. His explosive batting lower down the order, coupled with his efficient wicketkeeping, can provide a new dynamic to India’s game. Alongside him, Sanju Samson brings experience and stability, making for a well-rounded wicketkeeping duo.
Furthermore, the squad sees the return of players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, adding all-round depth to the team. Other young talents expected to feature include Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, and Washington Sundar, all of whom played during India’s T20I series against Zimbabwe earlier this year.
As Jitesh Sharma steps into this new role, it will be interesting to see how India’s T20I team performs with a blend of experienced and emerging talent. With a focus on workload management and strategic rotation of players, India continues to build a versatile and resilient squad, ready for future challenges.
The series against Bangladesh will not only be a test for these players but also an opportunity for the management to experiment with combinations, especially in the wicketkeeping department. For Jitesh, this is a chance to cement his place in the national team, with Pant’s absence providing a significant opportunity.
India’s approach of balancing workload management while giving chances to fresh faces shows a long-term vision, ensuring the team remains competitive across formats. Jitesh Sharma’s potential inclusion in the T20I squad signals a bright future for Indian cricket’s bench strength.