‘Wasn’t aware of omission until squad announcement’: Jitesh Sharma opens up on ‘heartbreaking’ T20 World Cup snub

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru finisher then played seven games in succession, including India’s last T20I in Ahmedabad. However, a day later, Jitesh found himself out of the rejigged T20I squad unveiled by the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar. India dropped Jitesh along side vice captain Shubman Gill as they recalled Ishan Kishan as the backup opener-cum-wicket-keeper alongside finisher Rinku Singh.

Recalling the snub in an interaction with CricTracker, Jitesh said:  “I wasn’t aware of my omission until the squad was announced. 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.”

Jitesh said he moved on from the late snub after interactions with his family and RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik.

“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. Spending time with my family and talking to Dinesh Karthik helped me move forward,” Jitesh added.