The expectations surrounding India's playing XI in the Cuttack T20 were confirmed. Sanju Samson was once again left out, with Jitesh Sharma taking his place. This suggests that India may likely field Jitesh Sharma as their wicketkeeper in the T20 World Cup.
Note that before the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, India will play ten T20 matches, including a recent series against South Africa and a five-match series against New Zealand in January 2026.
The T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7, 2026, and team management is evidently hopeful about Jitesh Sharma's performance.
Why is Jitesh's claim stronger than Sanju's?
Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma were both part of the T20 squad on the Australia tour. Sanju Samson was included in the playing XI in the rained-out Canberra T20, where he didn't bat. He batted at number three in the Melbourne T20 but was dismissed for 2 runs.
Post this, team management's interest in Sanju waned, and Jitesh Sharma was given the opportunity in three consecutive T20s. Jitesh scored an unbeaten 22 in Hobart, made 3 runs in Carrara, and didn't get to bat in Brisbane. His inclusion in the Cuttack T20 playing XI signals he's likely to be India's primary wicketkeeper in the T20 World Cup.
Sanju's T20I Journey has been a rollercoaster
After sitting out the T20 World Cup 2024, Sanju Samson showcased great form. Since debuting in 2015, Sanju had to wait five years for another chance, despite impressive performances in the IPL.
Post T20 World Cup 2024, Samson seized his chance, particularly shining after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement by scoring three centuries in just five matches when given the opening slot alongside Abhishek Sharma.
But soon, circumstances shifted. With Shubman Gill's re-entry and appointment as vice-captain, Samson had to vacate the opener's slot and shift to the middle order, where he struggled to secure his position.
Suryakumar Explains Why Samson Had to Give Up the Opening Slot
A day before the first T20I in Cuttack, captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified the strategy behind Samson making room for Jitesh Sharma, assuring that both players are part of India’s World Cup plans.
Suryakumar stated, "We’ve given Samson multiple opportunities, and he’s willing to adapt, which is key for the team. Players should be flexible from number 3 to 6, apart from the openers."
He added, "Both Jitesh and Samson fit into our plans. One can open, the other can play lower down the order. This flexibility is a great asset for the team, though it does pose as a ‘pleasant headache’... A question also remains whether Rishabh Pant, who played during the T20 World Cup 2024, can make a return to this format."
India’s Playing XI in Cuttack T20:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa’s Playing XI in Cuttack T20:
Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donavon Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje.
