India keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma delivered a statement performance in India’s commanding 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I at Cuttack, putting himself firmly in the frame for next year’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The 32-year-old right-hander showcased his finishing skills with a handy cameo towards the end of India’s innings, before turning heads behind the stumps with four brilliant catches, narrowly missing out on matching MS Dhoni’s record of five catches in a T20I innings.
India Keepers with Most Catches in a T20I Innings
| Player | Catches | Opponent & Year |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 5 | England, 2018 |
| MS Dhoni | 4 | Afghanistan, 2010 |
| MS Dhoni | 4 | Pakistan, 2012 |
| Jitesh Sharma | 4 | South Africa, 2025 |
Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the best finishers in cricket history, set a benchmark that Jitesh appears ready to chase. His consistent performances for Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, coupled with his early international displays, suggest India may have found a reliable finisher for the T20 World Cup.
Thriving Under Pressure
“I think that’s my bread and butter — finishing games,” Jitesh said after India’s victory. “It is a difficult job, basically thankless, but I enjoy the pressure. When I go in for the last six or five overs, I enjoy the excitement.”
His role as a finisher is complemented by his wicketkeeping, giving India a solid option in both departments. Last month, Jitesh played a pivotal role in India’s successful run chase against Australia in Hobart, further strengthening his case for a T20 World Cup spot.
Healthy Competition with Sanju Samson
With Jitesh cementing his position behind the stumps, Sanju Samson may miss out on selection despite some notable performances at the Asia Cup. Jitesh, however, stressed the friendship and healthy rivalry between the two:
“Sanju bhaiya is like an elder brother. Healthy competition brings out the best talent. We share a lot of experience, and he helps me a lot. But when it comes to the field, I have to compete with him, and that keeps me at my best.”
Looking Ahead: T20 World Cup 2026
As India prepares to co-host the T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka from February 7, 2026, players like Jitesh Sharma are already auditioning for key roles. Former India captain and two-time T20 World Cup winner Rohit Sharma has been named tournament ambassador, bringing further excitement to the event.
India’s T20I squad for the South Africa series:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar
Series Schedule:
- 1st T20I: Dec 9, Cuttack – India won by 101 runs
- 2nd T20I: Dec 11, Chandigarh
- 3rd T20I: Dec 14, Dharamsala
- 4th T20I: Dec 17, Lucknow
- 5th T20I: Dec 19, Ahmedabad
With the series underway and Jitesh shining, India fans have plenty to look forward to as the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches. His blend of wicketkeeping, finishing prowess, and calmness under pressure could be just what India needs to chase down big targets and clinch crucial wins on the world stage.
