Jitesh Sharma Welcomes Healthy Competition with Sanju Samson as Indias WK-Batter Spot Heats Up

With the T20 series between India national cricket team (IND) and South Africa national cricket team (SA) underway, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has thrown light on his professional relationship with fellow keeper-batter Sanju Samson describing it not as bitter rivalry but as a “healthy competition” that brings out the best in him. 

Selected ahead of Samson for the first T20I  and again for the opener against South Africa in Cuttack Jitesh did not shy away from acknowledging the intense contest for the wicketkeeper-batter slot. Yet, he was quick to clarify: “He is like an elder brother to me.” 

Instead of turning competition into animosity, Jitesh says that the presence of a quality peer pushes  him to bring his “A-game.” 

Jitesh elaborated that this competition  far from being destructive  helps both players grow and helps the team. “Because of healthy competition, your talent comes out. It’s good for the team also,” he said, adding that he feels grateful to have Samson in the squad and learn from him. 

For this series, team management appears to see Jitesh as a better match for the finisher’s role a position requiring power-hitting lower down the order in the final overs. 

With openers and top/middle-order slots more or less settled, the balance tilts in favour of a lower-order hitter who can finish games  and that gives Jitesh the edge. 

While Samson has had strong performances previously especially when used higher up the order  the return of other players has shuffled batting positions and led to this re-evaluation of roles. 

Rather than being weighed down by the pressure or expectations, Jitesh says he enjoys the challenge. He called finishing games “a difficult job, but a thankless one,” yet admitted he thrives under the late-innings pressure and excitement. 

This attitude of embracing competition, respecting teammates, and focusing on performance sends a strong signal about his mindset. Especially in a team with deep talent, maintaining humility and team spirit while fighting for one spot can be as important as runs on the board.

The candid and mature remarks from Jitesh underline a healthy culture in the team. Instead of internal friction, what we see is competition that’s constructive. For selectors and fans alike, this could make choosing between Jitesh and Samson more about role, strategy and form  not drama.

If Jitesh continues delivering lower-order innings and showing sharp glovework, he strengthens his claim for the wicketkeeper-batter spot. For Samson, meanwhile, versatility and patience remain key  and maintaining professionalism despite non-selection could help him fight his way back.

With India’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, this competition could help sharpen both players, making the squad deeper.