Jitesh Sharma’s cricket journey has been full of ups and downs. From IPL finishing knocks to wearing the India cap, he has seen both highs and struggles. His fearless batting for Punjab Kings once gave him freedom, but the India call-up added heavy pressure.
The turning point came in IPL 2025 when RCB trusted him after Dinesh Karthik’s retirement. Under Karthik’s guidance, Jitesh worked on his finishing skills and mental approach. The bond grew beyond short chats and became a mentor-mentee story of trust.
His standout innings included a match-winning 85* off 33 balls against LSG. That knock showed he could balance risk with responsibility. Even in the final, he displayed new shots like the scoop over the keeper. These moments proved his growth as a complete finisher, and he performed well against teams like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Now, as India prepares for the Asia Cup 2025, Jitesh finds himself back in the squad. With Sanju Samson currently holding the gloves and Shubman Gill returning to the XI, selection pressure is high. Yet, Jitesh has the timing and form to make his chance count.
The Asia Cup may decide whether he stays on the fringes or cements a long-term India role. His journey, shaped by struggles and mentor support, makes this moment more crucial than ever.
How Important Will Jitesh Sharma Be in the Asia Cup 2025 Squad?
Jitesh Sharma enters the Asia Cup 2025 as India’s backup wicketkeeper. His recent IPL season showed glimpses of maturity, where he balanced power with patience. That makes him an important squad member, even if he doesn’t start every game.
For India, having finishing power in the middle order is vital. Matches in Asian conditions often demand quick runs at the death. Jitesh has proven his ability to strike over 180 consistently in the IPL. If a chase or first-innings boost is needed, he can provide the spark.
His inclusion also ensures flexibility. With Sanju Samson likely to open, selectors may need Jitesh lower down to steady or accelerate. He is not just a wicketkeeper option but also a finisher who can change games in two overs.
Another key factor is India’s long-term search for reliable T20 finishers. Relying only on Hardik Pandya or Ravindra Jadeja adds pressure. If Jitesh can prove consistency, he may be India’s missing link in knockout matches.
Why the Asia Cup Is His Career Crossroad?
This tournament may decide Jitesh’s future in India colors. Past India chances slipped due to pressure and inconsistency. But with a strong mentor-backed IPL season, he looks mentally tougher.
The Asia Cup is not just about runs but about role clarity. If he shows confidence in the lower middle order, selectors may keep him for bigger events. Missing out here could mean going back to the IPL grind, waiting again for an opening.
How Jitesh Balances the Team as a Wicketkeeper-Batsman?
The dual role of wicketkeeper-batsman is never easy. Jitesh Sharma understands the responsibility that comes with both gloves and a bat. For India, his role could ease the workload on other players while offering tactical depth.
Behind the stumps, he has improved awareness and positioning. Keeping in Indian conditions requires sharp footwork and reading spin. His work in domestic cricket has given him that base.
With the bat, his ability to attack straight and now innovate with scoops and ramps makes him more versatile. India has often struggled to find a keeper who can dominate in the final overs. If Jitesh nails this, he becomes more than just a backup option.
He also adds balance by fitting into different plans. Whether India needs him at No.5 to stabilize or at No.7 to finish, his role adapts. That kind of flexibility gives India’s think tank more options when building the XI.
Why Balance Matters More Than Big Scores?
In modern T20s, balance is as important as runs. A wicketkeeper who can slot anywhere in the batting order is rare. Jitesh may not score fifties every game, but his 20s and 30s can win matches.
For India, his presence ensures no over is wasted late in the innings. His strike rate is enough to push totals above par, even with fewer balls faced. That makes him a valuable asset in crunch games.
Will Jitesh Sharma Get a Chance in the Playing XI?
This is the big question for fans and selectors alike. Sanju Samson has been opening the innings, and Shubman Gill’s return adds competition. That means Jitesh may start on the bench in early matches.
However, injuries, form dips, or tactical changes could open doors. If India wants an explosive finisher, Jitesh becomes the best fit. His IPL 2025 heroics prove he can take on world-class bowlers under pressure.
Selectors also know that T20 tournaments need strong benches. One injury or change in form can suddenly make a reserve player the star. Jitesh has been in this position before, but this time he looks more ready.
Why Patience Could Be His Best Weapon?
Even if Jitesh doesn’t play early matches, patience is key. With his mentor Karthik’s guidance, he knows waiting is part of the game.
India may need him at a crucial stage, perhaps in a knockout. If he stays prepared and focused, that chance could define his India journey. Sometimes, one inning is enough to change careers.
Lessons from His Journey with Dinesh Karthik
The Jitesh-Karthik bond has shaped this new phase of his career. Karthik’s coaching at RCB helped Jitesh add shots and improve match sense. More importantly, he taught him to handle pressure better.
This growth could be the difference in the Asia Cup. While stats matter, mindset decides how a player survives at the highest level. Jitesh has learned that desperation kills freedom, and freedom creates impact.
Like Karthik once did for India, Jitesh now has the chance to own the finisher’s tag. If he stays calm, this mentor-driven journey might pay off big in 2025.
Conclusion
Jitesh Sharma’s cricket story reflects patience, struggle, and timely growth. His IPL 2025 season under Dinesh Karthik showed that he has added new gears to his game. He is no longer just a hitter of straight sixes but a finisher who can innovate.
The Asia Cup 2025 offers him a chance to finally prove consistency in India’s colors. Even if Sanju Samson starts as the first-choice keeper, Jitesh remains crucial for balance and flexibility. His strike rate and finishing ability make him a strong option in crunch games, like against the Australian team.
Whether he plays early or waits, his preparation will decide the outcome. If he delivers one big knock, India’s long search for a reliable finisher could end. His role may not dominate headlines, but it could quietly shape India’s campaign.
Just as his Vidarbha coach’s advice once changed his career path, this tournament could be the moment he steps into a permanent India role. Ready, calm, and untethered, Jitesh Sharma now stands on the edge of his biggest opportunity.
