Gavaskar likens Jitesh Sharma’s omission to MS Dhoni’s team-first mindset
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has stepped in to defend Jitesh Sharma after the wicketkeeper-batter was left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad. Gavaskar used a comparison with MS Dhoni to make a broader point: being dropped can reflect team strategy rather than a player’s failure.
Not about blame — about balance
Gavaskar argued that selectors often make tough calls to build the best combination for conditions, match-ups and roles — decisions that can lead to capable players missing out. By invoking Dhoni, a player widely respected for his team-first approach and calm temperament, Gavaskar highlighted that even established cricketers would understand and accept such choices.
The message was simple: omission is not always punishment. It can be a tactical move. And when that happens to a player like Jitesh, who has impressed at various levels, it doesn’t mean he did anything wrong.
Why Jitesh’s exclusion isn’t a knock on his ability
- Team balance matters: Selectors weigh batting order, bowling options, and the mix of left- and right-handers when finalising squads.
- Role clarity: Sometimes a player’s strengths overlap with others in the squad, leaving little scope for an additional similar option.
- Conditions and match-ups: A World Cup squad is often built around expected conditions and opposition, which can push certain styles out of the picture.
- Competition for spots: The wicketkeeper-batter role is crowded in India, and small margins separate those who make the cut from those who don’t.
What Gavaskar’s comparison means for Jitesh’s future
The former opener’s perspective is both calming and practical. It reminds fans and the player alike that a single omission does not define a career. For Jitesh, the path back is clear: keep performing in domestic cricket and the IPL, stay ready for India A assignments, and remain mentally strong.
Gavaskar’s Dhoni analogy also serves as a reminder to teams and supporters: talented players who miss a tournament can still be part of the long-term plan. Their omission can be tactical, temporary and reversible — especially when they have already shown the potential to perform at higher levels.
Looking ahead
Jitesh Sharma remains a young player with opportunities. If recent trends are anything to go by, consistent performances and readiness to adapt will quickly make him a contender for future series and tournaments. Gavaskar’s comments underline that selectors’ decisions often reflect broader strategy rather than a verdict on character or skill — and that’s an important perspective for fans and players to keep in mind.