- By Gurmeet Batra
- Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:50 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India vs South Africa T20I: India keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has downplayed the perceived rivalry with Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeper's role in India’s T20 World Cup squad, emphasising the strong "brotherly" bond he shares with him.
Despite being competitors for a spot in the Indian squad, Jitesh disclosed that Samson often shares his expertise and knowledge with him, playing a crucial role in his growth as a cricketer.
Jitesh and Samson put in a joint practice session on the eve of the match, but it was Jitesh who sealed a spot in India's playing XI for Cuttack T20I as wicketkeeper, edging out Samson.
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“I am very grateful that he is in the team. Frankly speaking, he is like an elder brother. With healthy competition, your talent comes out. It is good for the team, also. There is so much talent. You can feel it. Sanju bhaiya is a great player. I have to compete with him; that is when I have to be at my best. We are both trying to play for India. We are like brothers. We share a lot of experience with each other. He helps me a lot," Jitesh said after India's 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I.
Discussing his role as a finisher, Jitesh said he is well accustomed to it and wants to make it his own before the T20 World Cup.
"I think that's my bread and butter, finishing the games. It is a difficult job. It is a thankless job, basically, finishing games. But I enjoy the pressure. When I go in for the last six or five overs, I enjoy the pressure and excitement," Jitesh said.
After a massive victory of 101 runs in Cuttack, India lead the five-match series by 1-0 and now will take on South Africa in Mullanpur on Thursday in the second T20I.