Jitesh Sharma May Take Second Wicketkeeper Slot in Indian T20 Squad

Jitesh Sharma is a strong contender for the second wicketkeeper's slot in the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 team, set to face Bangladesh in October. With Rishabh Pant focusing on Tests, Sanju Samson will be the main wicketkeeper in the shortest format. The official squad announcement is expected this week.

Jitesh Sharma is emerging as a frontrunner to secure the second wicketkeeper's position in the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 cricket team. The team is slated to play a three-match T20 series against Bangladesh, starting October 6 in Gwalior.

The official squad is anticipated to be revealed this week, with subsequent matches scheduled for October 9 in New Delhi and October 12 in Hyderabad.

Rishabh Pant's commitment to a packed season of 10 Test matches places Sanju Samson as the primary glovesman in T20s. Vidarbha's Jitesh Sharma appears to have edged out Ishan Kishan for the backup role. This development is significant as Kishan's selection for the Rest of India squad might delay his international return.

Players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be rested for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, beginning October 16 in Bengaluru, as part of a workload management strategy.

Some key players will also miss out due to their participation in the Irani Cup clash between Rest of India and Mumbai, scheduled from October 1 to 5 in Lucknow.

Several individuals who had impressive performances during the five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, held in July, are likely to be given an opportunity again. Abhishek Sharma, the dynamic left-hander from Punjab, is set to rejoin the squad in Shubman Gill's absence. However, the top-order partnerships remain uncertain, especially if both Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are rested.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, leading the Rest of India team, faces a scheduling conflict as the Irani Cup ends just days before the Bangladesh T20Is begin. Consequently, there is speculation that Jaiswal could play the series opener while Gaikwad might join for the final two matches after his Irani Cup engagements.

Alongside Hardik Pandya, who is making a national comeback, players like Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, and Ravi Bishnoi are expected to feature. Harshit Rana, a backup pacer from the Zimbabwe series, could also make the cut.

(With inputs from agencies.)