As the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off on September 9 in the UAE, India’s team management faces a tough call on their starting wicket-keeper for the T20I tournament opener against UAE on September 10 in Dubai. The 15-member squad includes Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, two players with contrasting styles and roles as debates continue on who should don the gloves. Jitesh looks favourite to start the game against UAE after impressing many in the IPL followed by a disciplined off-season routine curated by Basu Shanker, RCB’s Strength and Conditioning Coach and former Team India trainer.
Sanju Samson, a regular starter until India’s last T20I series against England in January 2025, has primarily been an opener. However, his performance in the series was underwhelming, where he managed to score only 51 runs in five games. With Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I side, the opening slot is largely no longer available, putting Samson’s place in the XI under doubt. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma has emerged as a strong contender, thanks to his explosive performances as a finisher, a role considered one of the toughest in T20 cricket. His standout IPL 2025 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he played a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign, has tilted the scales in his favour.
Jitesh’s IPL heroics included a match-defining 24 off 10 balls in the final on June 3, in Ahmedabad, shifting momentum decisively for RCB. Across 11 innings, he scored 261 runs at a strike rate of 176.35. His finest hour came against Lucknow Super Giants, where an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls powered RCB to chase 228 in just 18.4 overs. Statistically, Jitesh stands out as one of only four Indian batters with over 100 T20 innings and a career strike rate above 150. In the IPL’s death overs (16-20), his strike rate skyrocketed to 192.07, marking his reputation as a game-changer in the final overs.
The IPL triumph was a high for Jitesh, but the celebrations were overshadowed by the tragic stampede during RCB’s trophy celebrations in Bengaluru, which left the cricketing world in shock. Jitesh, like his teammates, took time to recover emotionally, leaning on cricket as a distraction. In July, he made a significant career move, switching from Vidarbha to Baroda in domestic cricket to secure more red-ball opportunities. In Vidarbha, captain Akshay Wadkar’s dominance limited Jitesh to just 18 First-Class matches; he now aims to establish himself in Baroda’s Ranji Trophy setup.
Off the field, Jitesh balanced personal and professional commitments. He spent his first wedding anniversary with wife, Shalaka, on a European trip, visiting Switzerland, Paris, and London. During the tour, he attended India’s third Test against England at Lord’s, connecting with RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik as well. However, Jitesh remained disciplined, adhering to an off-season fitness routine curated by renowned trainer Basu Shanker, to keep himself ready for Team India duties, and the upcoming domestic season. The regimen focused on simplicity – an hour or so of batting, keeping drills, followed by swimming or running drills, and light gym work. Off the field, it was all family and close friends for Jitesh. His effort was visible during the fitness tests at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as he left quite a few impressed with his output.
While Samson’s experience as a top-order batter and keeper gives him an edge in versatility, Jitesh’s niche as a finisher aligns perfectly with India’s current needs. With a stacked batting order featuring Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and others, Jitesh’s ability to provide fireworks in the final overs could be a game-changer for captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir. His consistent off-season preparation and proven T20 credentials make him a strong candidate to start in the Asia Cup.
If Jitesh maintains the same discipline in his international performances as he did in his training, he could solidify his position not just for the Asia Cup but also in India’s plans for the T20 World Cup 2026. For now, the team management’s decision will hinge on whether they prioritise Samson’s experience or Jitesh’s niche role. The Dubai opener will set the tone for this intriguing internal battle.
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