Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar reckons that Jitesh Sharma will hold the edge over Sanju Samson in the selection criteria for the T20 World Cup. The former India all-rounder further explained that Samson, who has been promoted as an opener in T20Is after Rohit Sharma's retirement, can bat at the top order, and with batters like Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, or Hardik Pandya available, he might not get a chance to bat top of the order.
Bangar on Samson vs Jitesh debate
On the other hand, Jitesh can bat lower down the order and look to hit the big shots even with a slightly older ball so he will get the number seven spot in the shortest format of the game.
"...his best spot in T20 cricket is still at the top. With players like Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, or Hardik Pandya available, there may not be a place for him at number four, five, or six.
"Jitesh Sharma has shown he is quite a capable player. He can bat lower down the order and look to hit the big shots even with a slightly older ball" JioStar expert Bangar said.
On the Samson versus Jitesh selection debate, Bangar added, "I think Jitesh will now get the number seven spot."
India to face South Africa, New Zealand before T20 World Cup 2026
Defending champions India will face South Africa and New Zealand in a five-match T20I series against each side before featuring in the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted in India and Sri Lanka.
When will India announce the T20 World Cup 2026 squad?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will reportedly select identical squads for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup 2026.
T20 World Cup squad announcement rules
While the schedule of the T20 World Cup has yet to be announced, the 20-team tournament is likely to take place in February. The ICC tournament rules mandate teams to submit their final 15-member squad a month before the tournament. The selection committee will announce their picks with an option to make changes till a specified cut-off date. The same rule also took place in the last edition of the tournament hosted by the USA and the West Indies.
India's T20 World Cup Group Stage matches schedule
| Match | Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Match | February 7 | India vs United States | Mumbai |
| Second Match | February 12 | India vs Namibia | Delhi |
| Third Match | February 15 | India vs Pakistan | Colombo |
| Fourth Match | February 18 | India vs Netherlands | Ahmedabad |