WC snub & Dad’s death: Emotional Jitesh opens up

• Jitesh Sharma, RCB player, shared grief over his father's passing after T20 World Cup squad news.
• Despite initial disappointment at squad omission, Jitesh prioritised family, spending 7 days with his father.
• Now focused on family duties, Jitesh joins RCB for IPL 2026, starting March 28 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad.

In the wake of India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement, Jitesh Sharma's omission stung initially, but it paled against the profound grief of losing

his father, Mohan Sharma, on February 1 after a short illness.

The wicketkeeper-batter, who prioritized family during those final days, shared his heartfelt journey, revealing how personal tragedy reshaped his perspective on career setbacks. Jitesh opened up about the emotional rollercoaster which he endured in the past month or so.

"When I got the news of my non-selection, I was a little bit disheartened. I am also a human. I can feel sad and bad. But later on, as time went by, the sad time becomes short," Jitesh told PTI.

The World Cup letdown quickly faded as his father's health declined. "But later on, my dad got ill. And he passed away on 1st of Feb. So, I was with him for seven days. Afterward, I got to know that my dad needed me more than the World Cup. After that, I didn't have any sad feeling, any regret or anything for anyone or for myself also. I am not angry or anything," Jitesh said.

"I was grateful that God gave me the opportunity to stay with my dad for seven days. So, I was able to take care of him. And I enjoyed watching the World Cup on TV at home. It's a very different feeling. It gives you lots of pressure rather than playing. And I was very happy for the boys," the RCB player added.

As the eldest son, Jitesh now shoulders family duties with quiet resolve.

"And that's it - to take care of your mother, brother and family. So, I'm someone who can't show my feelings to them and can't be weak in front of them because they are looking at me while playing cricket also. And I have to accept it," Jitesh said.

The 32-year-old is set to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2026 season. He was part of the victorious squad last year and will be hoping for more of the same as RCB begin their campaign on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.