Jitesh Sharma, who represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League, recently spoke about the emotional period he went through after being left out of India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The wicketkeeper batter admitted that the initial disappointment of missing the global tournament was strong, but a personal tragedy soon changed his perspective completely. get more insights on 10cric.
Disappointment Over World Cup Snub
Jitesh Sharma was among the players considered for the Indian squad ahead of the tournament but was eventually not selected due to changes in team combinations. He admitted that hearing the news was difficult at first, as every cricketer dreams of representing India at the World Cup.
However, the disappointment of the selection decision soon became secondary when his father fell seriously ill.
Father’s Illness Changed Everything
Sharma revealed that his father, Mohan Sharma, passed away on February 1, 2026, after a brief illness. The cricketer spent his father’s final days with him, something he later said was far more important than playing in the World Cup.
He said that after this experience, he realized his father “needed him more than the World Cup,” and he has no regrets about missing the tournament because he could be there for his family during that time.
Watching India’s Campaign From Home
Although he was not part of the squad, Sharma followed India’s campaign from home. India eventually went on to win the T20 World Cup, and he expressed happiness for the team’s success.
He described watching the matches on television as a completely different and more stressful experience compared to playing on the field.
Focus Now on IPL With RCB
Jitesh Sharma is now concentrating on his performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Strong displays in the league could help him return to the national team setup in the future.
Despite the setback, Sharma’s story highlights the human side of professional sport, where personal life and family moments often become more important than career milestones.