Previous Indian batsman Aakash Chopra recommended that Jitesh Sharma be India’s number one option for the wicket-keeper batter position in the 2026 T20 World Cup, replacing Sanju Samson.
Aakash Chopra on Wicket Keeper in T20I’s
Chopra identified that although Sanju Samson has high figures when batting in the top order (Nos. 1 to 3), his performance dips when batting in the middle order. With new openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma likely to take up the top positions, the wicket-keeper’s position would largely fall between Nos. 4 to 7.
“When Jitesh Sharma plays Nos. 4 to 7, his strike rate is 166 and average 28. He is the first player whose strike rate is more than 150. His figures read the best from all options. Jitesh Sharma is shining like a star. He is apparently No. 1,” Chopra commented on YouTube.
Samson’s performance at the top order is robust, but Chopra feels it might not prove to be as effective in middle-order contexts. Jitesh’s consistency with both strike rate and average in the middle order makes him a better fit for India’s game plan for the T20 World Cup.
Other Options Considered
Chopra also pointed to KL Rahul as a middle-order contender. Although Rahul’s average is still high, his strike rate of 133 might fall short of the aggressive expectations of the T20 game at Nos. 4 to 7.
“When I consider Nos. 4 to 7, Rahul has got an average of 40, but a strike rate of 133. That might not be enough in today’s T20 environment,” Chopra said.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 squad yet to be settled, Jitesh Sharma’s regular middle-order show, attacking batting ability, and capability to push the innings in crisis situations might provide him a deciding advantage over Samson for India’s playing XI. The fans as well as experts are keenly observing as India finalizes its team for the tournament.
