- By Gurmeet Batra
- Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma opened up about the sting of being axed from India's T20 World Cup squad and the personal turmoil of his father's passing shortly after his omission.
Jitesh revealed that the sting of rejection from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad faded into the background, overshadowed by the poignant reality of his father's passing, just days before the tournament's commencement.
"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. But later on, as time went by, the sad time became short," Jitesh told PTI during an interview.
The blow of being sidelined from the T20 World Cup squad was swiftly overshadowed by a profoundly personal hardship.
"But later on, my dad got ill. And he passed away on the 1st of Feb. So, I was with him for seven days. Afterwards, I got to know that my dad needed me more than the World Cup. After that, I didn't have any sad feeling, any regret or anything for anyone or for myself also. I am not angry or anything," he said.
"I was grateful that God gave me the opportunity to stay with my dad for seven days. So, I was able to take care of him. And 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. And I was very happy for the boys,” he added.
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In the absence of his father, the mantle of eldest son has fallen heavily on his shoulders.
"I can't forget that thing, and I don't want to forget that thing because he is not there anymore. When you lose your dad, after a few days you get to know that you are now responsible for making decisions in your family as the elder son,” he added.
"And that's it - to take care of your mother, brother and family. So, I'm someone who can't show my feelings to them and can't be weak in front of them because they are looking at me while playing cricket also. And I have to accept it," Jitesh said.
Despite his consistent performances, Jitesh's omission seemed a tactical decision led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The selection committee and coaching staff stated that they are prioritising a wicketkeeper with top-order batting versatility.