Imagine being at the peak of your game, only to be left out of the biggest tournament in cricket. That's exactly what happened to Jitesh Sharma, and it's sparked a heated debate among fans and experts alike. But here's where it gets controversial... Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in, defending the selection of Ishan Kishan over Sharma for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to take place in February-March. Gavaskar's stance? "Did nothing wrong," he said, referring to the in-form Kishan's inclusion, which came at Sharma's expense. This decision, made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors, was heavily influenced by Kishan's stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's premier domestic T20 competition. After a two-year hiatus due to fitness and availability concerns, Kishan roared back, leading Jharkhand to victory with a breathtaking century in the final.
And this is the part most people miss... While Kishan's return was celebrated, it meant the exclusion of Jitesh Sharma, despite Sanju Samson also securing a spot as a wicketkeeper. The real twist? Shubman Gill, struggling with form, was also dropped. Gavaskar, while thrilled for Kishan, couldn't help but empathize with Sharma. "When you see someone performing, you pick him," Gavaskar explained on JioStar. "Ishan has proven himself before, and his recent domestic performance is a testament to why domestic cricket should be a key selection criterion, not just the IPL. I'm genuinely happy for him. His comeback after two years is nothing short of remarkable."
Gavaskar didn't hold back in praising Sharma either, highlighting his exceptional wicketkeeping skills and his prowess in assisting with DRS calls, a role he mastered after the legendary MS Dhoni. "Jitesh did nothing wrong," Gavaskar emphasized. "He was outstanding behind the stumps and arguably the best after Dhoni when it came to DRS decisions. It's a tough break for him, but he's young and talented. He just needs to focus on domestic cricket and keep shining."
Here’s the bold question: Is domestic performance truly the ultimate benchmark for selection, or should the IPL hold more weight? Gavaskar’s stance clearly favors the former, but what do you think? Should players like Jitesh Sharma, who excel in both domestic and international roles, be given more leeway? Or is the cutthroat nature of selection justified in the pursuit of World Cup glory? Let’s spark a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below!
