There has been so much excitement - and rightly so- about Team India winning the recently completed 2026 T20 World Cup (beating the BlackCaps in the final at Ahmedabad), that while we remember the stunning win and the great team contributions, not a lot is being reserved for those talents who missed out participating in the mega World Cup event.
As a matter of fact, one of the key figures who was perhaps destined to play at the start and be part of the team squad but couldn’t eventually make it is that of Jitesh Sharma.
He missed out on participating in the mega ICC event.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has described his omission from India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup as a “blessing in disguise,” as it allowed him to spend his father’s final days by his side. The 32-year-old had been part of India’s T20I setup for much of last year and was considered a strong contender for the World Cup squad.
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However, he was surprisingly left out when the team was announced earlier this year.
Fate, however, had different plans. Jitesh’s father fell seriously ill and passed away on February 1, just days before the start of the tournament. Speaking about the emotional period in an interview with PTI, Jitesh admitted he initially felt disappointed after missing out on selection but soon realised that being with his family was far more important.
“When I first heard the news, I was a little disappointed. I am human, so naturally I felt sad,” Jitesh said. “But my family and friends supported me a lot, and that phase passed quickly.” He added that his father’s illness changed his perspective completely.
“My father fell ill and passed away on February 1. I was able to stay with him for seven days. Later I realised my dad needed me more than the World Cup,” he explained. Looking back, the wicketkeeper said he has no regrets about missing the global tournament. “After that, I have no regrets.
I am not angry or anything. I’m grateful to God that I could be with him and take care of him in his final days,” he said.
Jitesh has represented India in 16 T20Is, including seven appearances last year. During that time, he has scored 162 runs at an average of 18 and an impressive strike rate of 151.40.
