Jitesh Sharma (Source:AFP)
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has opened up about one of the most emotional phases of his life. The RCB star player revealed that missing the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 turned out to be a moment of unexpected meaning.
It is important to note that Jitesh Sharma was part of India's plans for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. But before the T20I series against New Zealand, India decided to change their team combination.
The management opted for a different approach, selecting Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper-batter at the top of the order alongside Abhishek Sharma. The decision meant Jitesh Sharma missed out on the World Cup squad.
Jitesh Sharma says being dropped from the World Cup was a blessing in disguise
Jitesh Sharma admitted that he was initially left heartbroken when he was left out of India’s squad for the global tournament. However, circumstances soon changed his perspective. Being dropped allowed him to spend the final days with his father, Mohan Sharma, who passed away after a brief illness on February 1.
Speaking about the moment, Jitesh said the disappointment was natural.
"When I got the news of my non-selection, I was a little bit disheartened. I am also a human. I can feel sad and bad," he said.
Soon after the selection disappointment, Jitesh Sharma’s father fell ill. The RCB star spent the final seven days by his side, something he now considers far more valuable than playing in the World Cup.
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“My dad got ill, and he passed away on February 1. I was with him for seven days. Afterwards, I realised my dad needed me more than the World Cup,” he said.
That realisation changed his outlook completely. The sadness over missing the tournament faded as he focused on being with his father in his final moments.
“I was grateful that God gave me the opportunity to stay with my dad for seven days. I was able to take care of him,” he said.
Jitesh Sharma shares special message mentioning Rinku Singh
Jitesh also revealed that watching the tournament from home was a strange experience. According to him, sitting in front of the television was even more nerve-wracking than playing on the field.
“I enjoyed watching the World Cup on TV at home. It’s a very different feeling. It gives you lots of pressure rather than playing,” he said, adding that he was happy for the Indian team.
He also mentioned teammate Rinku Singh, who went through a similar emotional situation during the World Cup after his (Rinku Singh) father's death. Jitesh said returning to the field after personal loss requires immense strength.
Jitesh Sharma to feature in IPL 2026
It is important to mention that Jitesh will next play in IPL 2026 for RCB. The Bengaluru-based franchise retained the star player for INR 11 crore ahead of the mini-auction.
Jitesh played 15 matches in IPL 2025 and made 261 runs at an average of 37.28 and a strike-rate of 176.35. Overall, looking at his IPL stats, the star player has played 55 matches for RCB and Punjab Kings. He has made 991 runs at an average of 25.41 and a strike-rate of 157.05.
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