India’s left-arm fast bowler, Arshdeep Singh, didn’t feature during their opening clash of the 2025 season of the Asia Cup against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Many anticipated the veteran to be part of the opening game, having displayed his incredible ability to swing the ball in both ways.

India, as expected, didn’t go through any tough period during the encounter against the Muhammed Waseem-led side, having bundled out the opponents for 57 runs in the first innings, after Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav shared seven wickets between them, despite their openers providing them a decent start with the bat.

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On the morning of the next day after the contest, Arshdeep and the wicket-keeper batter of the Blue Brigade, Jitesh Sharma, made a hilarious video that the former has shared on his social media account. “Good morning, pineapple. Looking very good, very nice.” They enjoyed their moment after the win.

Watch: Arshdeep Singh and Jitesh Sharma’s hilarious video goes viral

Arshdeep Singh is currently the leading wicket-taker of the national side with 99 wickets in 63 innings at an average of 18.30 and a strike rate of over 13 with an economy rate of 8.29, thanks to the two four-wicket hauls at the best bowling figure of 4/9 in an inning. Along with Arshdeep, their middle-order batter, Jitesh Sharma, expected to be part of the eleven, didn’t feature in the game against the UAE.

 

 

 

 

 

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Jitesh has also been excellent with the bat in the lower order for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but the national team management decided to go with Sanju Samson in the middle order. It will be interesting to see if the management makes any changes for the next clash against Pakistan four days later in Dubai.

Inia didn’t need to sweat much for the chase as Abhishek Sharma’s 30 runs in 16 balls with the help of two boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 187.50, while Shubman Gill remained unbeaten for 20 runs in nine balls to complete the chase in the second innings by nine wickets in 27 balls.

Veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that India will make every effort to include Sanju Samson in the Playing XI during the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, irrespective of the batting slot he is given. As Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain and tipped to open, fans and experts agreed that Sanju Samson’s place in the XI is up for debate now.

Gavaskar pointed out that it is difficult for the team management to decide the batting order and will have a tough time deciding between Sanju Samson’s ongoing form and Jitesh Sharma’s impressive performances during the IPL 2025, which facilitated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on their route to the title.

“I think it's a very good headache to have for any selection committee that you have two capable batters and somebody like Sanju Samson who can maybe even bat at three and, if needed, come down at six as a finisher. And Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL, where he's played exceedingly well. So yes, I think it's a pleasant headache for the tour selection committee,” Gavaskar told India Today.

Samson vs Jitesh: A selection dilemma

The former India skipper further explained that Samson’s presence in the squad makes it difficult to overlook him in the XI. “If you take somebody like Sanju Samson in the core team, then you can't leave him out in the reserves. But my feeling is that maybe Samson will probably get the nod ahead of Jitesh for at least the first couple of games. And then, depending on what his form is for the rest of the tournament. But this is what I think will happen,” he added.

See Also: WATCH: Jitesh Sharma sharpens wicketkeeping skills in Dubai ahead of 2025 Asia Cup

At the squad announcement, Jitesh Sharma was named as the first-choice wicketkeeper. However, Gavaskar stressed that Samson’s experience and leadership qualities make him invaluable. With the Asia Cup set to begin on September 9, the decision on who starts behind the stumps will be one of the key talking points for India.

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was spotted putting in the hard yards with fielding coach T. Dilip during an intense keeping drill in Dubai ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. The Men in Blue arrived in batches on Thursday, September 4, and held their first practice session the following day. During training, Sanju Samson was seen sitting nearby, carefully observing Jitesh’s movements.

Suryakumar Yadav’s India have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts UAE, Pakistan, and Oman. Their campaign will begin against UAE on Wednesday, September 10, followed by the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on Sunday, September 14. The final group-stage game will see them face Oman on Friday, September 19, in Abu Dhabi.

The selection debate around India’s wicketkeeper-batter choice has been heating up, with fans and experts divided between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma. Both players remain in the conversation to play in the tournament and their differing profiles have only added to the conversation taking place in the run-up to the tournament.

Irfan Pathan weighs in on Samson vs Jitesh debate

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan weighed in on the wicketkeeper-batter debate for the 2025 Asia Cup, stating that both Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma have done well, making the call a tricky one. He said, “The talking point about Sanju Samson is important because it’s not like the guy wasn’t performing. It’s also not like Jitesh Sharma, who came into the team, didn’t perform. He has performed solidly. He has batted brilliantly for RCB. But I am looking at whether Sanju Samson can bat at number five. Because Axar Patel does the floater’s job. But one, two, three, and four are set. Tilak Verma, in my opinion, has performed very well. He should get a place at number three, in my opinion.”

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Pathan further added that Suryakumar Yadav fits well at number four, while Samson could be pushed to number five to reward his recent performances and his ability to play spin. “At four, his average is better. His strike rate is almost the same as a number-three batting average. But if Sanju Samson… can he bat well at five, because he also plays spin well? What we have to see is who is playing better in the nets on old balls, Jitesh or Sanju Samson. I would still like to push Sanju Samson to play, but this will remain a marginal call,” he explained. So far, Samson has scored 861 runs in 38 innings with two fifties and three hundreds, while Jitesh has 100 runs from seven innings. Pathan believes the Asia Cup could be decisive in determining India’s long-term wicketkeeper-batter.

The former Indian opening batter and captain of the national side, Sunil Gavaskar, has settled the selection debate between the two wicket-keeper batters of the side, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, ahead of the upcoming Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on September 09 in the UAE.

Gavaskar reckoned that Sanju Samson, despite his struggle in the five-match home T20I series against England earlier this year, would be the front-runner to get into the eleven. The Kerala batter has smashed a total of 861 T20I runs in 38 innings at a strike rate of 152.38 with two fifties and three centuries.

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“It’s a very good headache to have for any selection committee that you have two capable batters and somebody like Sanju Samson who can maybe even bat at three, and if needed, come down at six as a finisher. Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL. But my feeling is that Samson will probably get the nod.” Gavaskar expressed on Sony Sports Network.

Sunil Gavaskar picks Sanju Samson to get nod for India in Asia Cup 2025

Samson has been in tremendous form during the Kerala Premier League (KPL) 2025, having collected 368 runs in five innings at an average of 73.60 and a strike rate of 186.80 with 24 boundaries and 30 sixes. He isn’t expected to bat at the opening position after Shubman Gill getting the vice-captaincy.

“Looking at the way he batted in this T20 format in the IPL, it was a no-brainer. He has been very successful in the T20 format for the IPL, so there is no question that he has the capability of doing well in T20. In the kind of form that he is in, where he has scored more than 750 runs in the just concluded Test series.” Gavaskar addressed Sony Sports.

Jitesh Sharma, on the other hand, was in golden touch during the IPL 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), helping him earn the title. The right-handed batter has clubbed 261 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of 176.35 with one fifty.

Jitesh Sharma is likely to play the finisher’s role for India in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup. The tournament starts on September 9 in the UAE. Jitesh had a brilliant IPL 2025 season and played a big role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) win.

Because of his great performance, Jitesh Sharma came back to the Indian team and will play in the upcoming tournament. He has played nine T20Is so far, scoring 100 runs at a strike rate of 147.05. He made his debut in 2023. The 31-year-old started his IPL journey with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2022. He played three seasons for Punjab before RCB picked him for the 2025 edition. He has played 55 IPL matches so far.

Talking about finishers in short formats, India had former captain MS Dhoni, who was one of the best. The 44-year-old is still active in the IPL and plays for CSK. Now, let us compare Jitesh Sharma’s IPL stats with Dhoni’s stats at a similar stage.

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Jitesh Sharma vs MS Dhoni – IPL Stats After 55 Matches

Runs and Average

In 55 IPL matches, Jitesh Sharma scored 991 runs at an average of 25.41. His best season for runs was in 2023, when he made 309 runs from 14 innings at an average of 23.76. His most impactful performance came last season with RCB, scoring 261 runs from 11 innings at an average of 37.28, including an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls in the last league match.

After 55 IPL matches, MS Dhoni scored 1,295 runs at an average of 39.24. His best season was in 2008, the inaugural IPL season, with 414 runs from 14 innings at an average of 41.40. His best knock during this period was an unbeaten 66 against the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010.

Strike Rate

Jitesh Sharma has a strike rate of 157.05 after 55 IPL matches. His best came last season with 176.35. Against the Mumbai Indians, his strike rate is 198.70 in five innings, and against the Lucknow Super Giants, it is 195.08.

MS Dhoni had a strike rate of 136.32 after 55 matches. His strike rate was 163.30 against KKR in seven matches and 175 against PBKS in seven innings.

50-plus Scores

Jitesh Sharma has one 50-plus score in 55 IPL matches. It was 85 not out against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, with eight boundaries and six sixes, helping RCB finish in the top two and win the title.

MS Dhoni had seven 50-plus scores after 55 matches, all half-centuries. Three came against PBKS. His first IPL fifty was 65 against RCB in 2008. His highest in this period was 66 not out against KKR in 2010.

Performance in Winning Matches

Jitesh Sharma’s teams won 28 matches out of his first 55 IPL games. In these, he scored 431 runs at an average of 28.73 and a strike rate of 189.04. His only half-century came in a winning game. In 27 losing matches, he scored 560 runs at an average of 23.33 and a strike rate of 138.96.

MS Dhoni’s teams won 33 of his first 55 IPL matches. He scored 872 runs at an average of 48.44 and a strike rate of 149.83. All his seven half-centuries came in winning matches.

After his special performance for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Jitesh Sharma got selected into the national side for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which starts on September 09 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Blue Brigade will play their opening game against the UAE on the following day in Dubai.

The 31-year-old has smacked 100 T20I runs in seven innings at an average of just over 14 and a strike rate of 147.05 with the best score of 35. During the IPL 2025, the wicket-keeper batter drilled 261 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of 176.35, thanks to the best score of an unbeaten 85 runs.

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“I come from a small town, where you give lots of respect to your seniors. You don't intrude on their personal space - For me, just talking to him is a big deal. I know Virat bhai’s stature, so I would try not to intrude on his personal space or bother him unnecessarily.” Jitesh revealed during a recent interaction on TOI.

Jitesh Sharma shares bond and respect with Virat Kohli ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Jitesh, during his young and old days, didn’t have a coach and took on watching the YouTube videos of the former Australian batter, Adam Gilcirst, and India’s Sourav Ganguly for early advice as he made his national debut at the Asian Games at the age of 29.

“I used to talk to him about cricket only. Out of respect, I maintained my distance. I only wanted to have a meaningful conversation with him.” Jitesh expressed that he credited his childhood friends, his former Vidarbha captain, Faiz Fazal, his mentor Dinesh Karthik, and Ruchir Mishtra, the former TOI journalist, who passed away due to Covid-19.

The Maharashtra-born, who has collected 2886 runs in 127 innings of the T20s at an average of 27.22 and a strike rate of 152.29 with 11 half-centuries and one century at the best score of 106 runs, will be a valuable member for the Blue Brigade in the lower order.

With multiple capable keeper-batters in contention, BCCI has to solve a serious puzzle: who will make the final cut ahead of the Asia Cup 2025?

In the recent past, multiple wicketkeeping options emerged in Indian cricket; some of them donned the blue jersey as well. Players like Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma were selected for international duties because of their promising runs in domestic cricket. In a squad, 4 or 5 keeper-batters do not sound quite natural. Depending on batting combinations and recent numbers, only one can join the first XI with a proper backup on the bench.

As per the recent report, Jitesh Sharma can join the Asia Cup 2025 squad. But he may not be considered as the number 1 keeper for the squad. According to reports, Sharma can be selected as a backup wicketkeeper in the squad. If Sharma remains on the bench, then the question remains, who will be the first-choice keeper for Team India for the Asia Cup 2025? Jitesh Sharma, after playing some matches for Team India, remains with a bunch of modest stats: 9 T20Is, 100 runs in total, and 14.28 as the average. He played his last T20I for India in January 2023.

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Jitesh looked promising 

In more than a year, the right-handed batter has become more mature. One of his finest innings came when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was in deep trouble against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during an IPL 2025 match. In the 70th match of the season, LSG scored a mammoth 227 runs in the first innings. RCB, the team that later emerged as the IPL 2025 champion, was under pressure. 

Jitesh was the stand by captain of the game, came to the crease as the number 6 batter, and played a match-turning knock. Against 33 deliveries, he scored an unbeaten 85 with six 6s and eight 4s. RCB won the match by 6 wickets and 8 balls to spare. This match can hold a primary example of how the Maharashtra-born has upgraded himself over the last few years. 

Before the beginning of the new season in Indian cricket, an Indian cricketer, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has changed his domestic cricket team. 

Jitesh Sharma moves from Vidarbha to Baroda

The 31-year-old Indian cricketer Jitesh Sharma, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in two matches during the IPL 2025, where they created history by winning their first trophy, has changed his domestic cricket team from Vidarbha to Baroda. 

Although the wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma served for Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season, he wasn't selected in any playing XIs in the last Ranji Trophy season, as the first-choice wicketkeeper for his team was Akshay Wadkar. 

Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Secretary Ajit Lele recently confirmed ETV Bharat, "Yes both the players, Jitesh and Rasikh, will be playing for Baroda from the next domestic season." The 25-year-old right-arm pacer Rasikh Salam previously served for Jammu and Kashmir.

According to media reports, Jitesh Sharma's recent decision to change the domestic cricket team was due to his close friendship with Baroda captain Krunal Pandya, who is a teammate of his in the IPL franchise RCB. 

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Jitesh Sharma's career

After making his senior domestic cricket debut in February 2014, Jitesh has played 56 List A games and 141 T20Is, along with only 18 first-class matches, the format where he made his debut in October 2015. He has played nine T20Is for India after making his international cricket debut in October 2023. In his T20I career, Jitesh has scored 100 runs.

With 261 runs in 11 innings (15 matches), Jitesh Sharma was the fourth-highest run-scorer for IPL 2025 champions RCB, with an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of 176.35, including one half-century, which was match-winning 85 not out off 33 balls against Lucknow Super Giants.  

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicket-keeper batter, Jitesh Sharma, will represent the Baroda side in the upcoming season of the domestic tournament. The 31-year-old didn’t feature in any games of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, playing the second fiddle to the captain and the first-choice wicket-keeper Akshay Wadkar. Jitesh, however, remained part of the white-ball squads under the captaincy of Karun Nair. 

The wicket-keeper, Jitesh Sharma, batter had a fabulous season for the RCB side, playing a huge role in making the franchise champions for the very first time in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The right-handed batter drilled 261 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of nearly 176, shouldering one half-century at the best score of unbeaten 85 runs.

See Also: Who is better between Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc? Stats Comparison of two premier pacers

Jitesh, who also played nine T20Is for India, earning 100 runs at a strike rate of 147.05, is likely to leave Vidarbha. The transfer to Baroda is likely to work in a few days with his close ties. Krunal Pandya, the Baroda captain, who was with the batter in RCB, is expected to help in the association.

RCB player Jitesh Sharma to play with Krunal Pandya in this domestic team

This shift could be a new chance for the lower-order batter to cement his place in the side as a regular first-class player. Since making his debut in the 2015-16 season, the Maharashtra-born has featured in only 18 red-ball domestic games over the past ten seasons. His average, as a result, is below 25 with four half-centuries as his most recent game in the Ranji Trophy came nearly 18 months ago.

🚨 JITESH SHARMA TO BARODA 🚨

- Jitesh Sharma will play alongside Krunal & Hardik in the upcoming Domestic season. [Espn Cricinfo] pic.twitter.com/UAZWDJSNcR

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 17, 2025

Despite the limited opportunities in red-ball cricket, Jitesh has left a mark in the shortest format. His first breakthrough season during the IPL came in 2023, as he earned an India T20I cap during the Asian Games in October that year. His 85* during the recently concluded IPL 2025 came when the Bengaluru side was in a must-win position against the Lucknow Super Giants to claim the top two spots.

Even when Rajat Patidar was out of the side due to an injury, Jitesh displayed his leadership qualities. Along with him, his IPL teammate Swapnil Singh, is also set to move to Tripura. He recently turned up for the Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 and picked up three wickets in eight games, besides scoring 85 runs in eight fixtures.

A video featuring Indian cricketer Jitesh Sharma has been making rounds on social media, showing him shouting towards the commentary box, where his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik was present. The clip quickly went viral, sparking various speculations among fans.

Many users on social platforms interpreted the moment differently, with some trolling both players and suggesting tension between the two. The video led to widespread discussions, drawing attention from fans and media alike during the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

To clear the air, Dinesh Karthik addressed the issue on X. He explained the context behind the moment and strongly criticized the online trolls for spreading unnecessary negativity. Karthik urged fans not to jump to conclusions based on short clips and reminded them of the mutual respect shared between him and Jitesh Sharma. His statement aimed to put an end to the rumors and online backlash.

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Dinesh Karthik Addresses Concerns over the Circulated Video:

During the third Test between India and England at the iconic Lord’s, a video of Jitesh Sharma went viral on social media. The clip, shared with a caption claiming he was denied entry into the stadium, quickly gained attention. The caption on that video was “ Lord's security guard didn't allow Jitesh Sharma to enter the stadium. This is so embarrassing.”

After the video gained traction online, it led to various reactions from fans. To clarify the situation, former Indian cricketer and current commentator Dinesh Karthik took to social media. He shared what really happened and expressed his concern over how quickly misinformation spreads on such platforms, urging people not to believe everything they see or read online.

He wrote, “These are some issues with social media that a lot face. I invited jitesh to the comm box, he had come, and I came and met him down and took him to the comm box and he met everyone there. Btw this is below the media center, not the entrance to the ground.”

These are some issues with social media that a lot face

I invited jitesh to the comm box , he had come , and I came and met him down and took him to the comm box and he met everyone there

Btw this is below the media center , not the entrance to the ground 😊 https://t.co/Z22AAyp3CN

— DK (@DineshKarthik) July 16, 2025