Subhayan Chakraborty
The announcement of India’s 15-man squad for the Asia Cup 2025, set to commence on September 9, has sparked discussions, particularly around the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, one name that stands out in the squad is Vidarbha and Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, whose T20I recall signals the selectors’ confidence in his ability to deliver as a finisher. This selection, backed by captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, could be a potential masterstroke, given Jitesh’s recent form and potential to bolster India’s lower-order firepower.
Jitesh’s inclusion alongside Sanju Samson as one of two wicketkeepers in the squad is a far-sighted move by the selection committee. With Shubman Gill named vice-captain, there’s a strong possibility that Jitesh could be deployed as a finisher, potentially edging out Samson from the playing XI, unless the Kerala man is fitted into the top three while moving Tilak Varma down to No. 5. His ability to accelerate in the death overs makes him a valuable asset in a team already boasting heavyweights like Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel.
Suryakumar was full of praise for Jitesh, highlighting his transformation into one of the most improved T20 batters. “Post the last T20 World Cup, we spoke a lot about our approach,” said Suryakumar. “We said, ‘Let’s not think about milestones, just focus on the journey.’ Since then, he’s been a completely different cricketer – slow and steady. The way he performed in the IPL and the domestic tournaments he played, he’s done really well and has earned his spot again.” This endorsement underscored Jitesh’s growth since his last T20I appearance against Afghanistan in January 2024, where he struggled to cement his place.
Jitesh’s resurgence in the IPL 2025 season was pivotal to his recall. Playing for RCB in their maiden title-winning campaign, he excelled in the finisher’s role, scoring 261 runs at a blistering strike-rate of 176. His standout performance came during a high-pressure chase against Lucknow Super Giants, where he smashed an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls to guide RCB to a successful pursuit of 228. The knock showcased his composure and ability to dominate in clutch moments, traits that align perfectly with India’s T20I requirements. Jitesh credited his transformation to the mentorship of Dinesh Karthik, a former RCB star known for his prowess as a finisher.
Agarkar echoed Suryakumar’s sentiments, emphasising the unanimous decision to back Jitesh. “The way he performed in the IPL…it was impressive,” said Agarkar. “We made a conscious decision to not focus on milestones.” Jitesh’s domestic performances further solidified his case. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he represented Vidarbha in six matches, maintaining a staggering strike-rate of 225, and proving his ability to clear boundaries with ease from the get-go.
With Rishabh Pant sidelined by injury and Dhruv Jurel failing to seize his IPL opportunities, Jitesh’s recall is a calculated move. His consistency as a lower-order enforcer adds depth to India’s batting unit, complementing the likes of Pandya and Rinku. His wicketkeeping skills provide additional flexibility, allowing the team to balance the combination based on match conditions.
Selecting Jitesh for the Asia Cup is a forward-thinking decision that reflects India’s intent to build a versatile and explosive T20I side. His ability to handle pressure, as evidenced by his IPL heroics, makes him an ideal candidate for the finisher’s role in high-stakes games. Unlike traditional wicketkeepers who prioritise stability, Jitesh brings an aggressive edge, and is capable of turning matches in India’s favour with quickfire cameos. With the Asia Cup serving as a crucial platform ahead of the T20 World Cup next year, Jitesh’s inclusion not only strengthens India’s lower order but also signals a shift toward rewarding players who thrive in specialised roles.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news