Why Jitesh Sharma is preferred over Sanju Samson in Team India?

Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has highlighted how batting order considerations influenced Sanju Samson’s exclusion in favor of Jitesh Sharma. Samson’s most productive phase has been as an opener, but with Shubman Gill’s return to the top order, Samson has been pushed to the middle order-a position where he has struggled to make a significant impact.

Samson had an impressive 2024, scoring 436 runs with three centuries at an average of 43.6 and a strike rate of 180.16. However, his form has dipped in 2025, amassing only 185 runs in 14 matches at an average of 18.5 and a strike rate of 120.91. These numbers have seen him sidelined for the last three games, with Jitesh Sharma taking his place.

Dasgupta explained that the decision largely hinges on Samson’s batting position. If Samson isn’t batting in the top three and the wicketkeeper is expected to play in the lower middle order, Dasgupta believes Jitesh is a more suitable option since that’s his specialty.

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“A top-order batter like Sanju isn’t ideally suited to face just a few deliveries in the lower middle order. In such cases, selecting a wicketkeeper who thrives in that role is the better approach. Jitesh is the specialist for that position," said Dasgupta.

With nine matches remaining before the T20 World Cup—four against South Africa and five against New Zealand—Dasgupta doesn’t foresee major changes to the current playing XI, which could mean Samson will again have to wait for another opportunity.