Jitesh Sharma To Make Way For KL Rahul In T20 World Cup 2024? Aakash Chopra's Shocking Revelation

Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra feels that Jitesh Sharma might face challenges in securing a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Aakash Chopra said that Jitesh will be competing with KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Dhruv Jurel for the wicketkeeper-batter role.

Jitesh replaced Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper-batter in the playing XI during the home T20I series against Australia. Since then, he has become a regular part of the national team in the shorter format. He made an impression as a finisher with limited opportunities.

The Vidarbha batter was dismissed for a duck during India’s six-wicket victory in the second T20I against Afghanistan in Indore on Sunday, January 14. Notably, he scored 31 runs off 20 deliveries, including five boundaries, in the first T20I of the three-match series.

It’s Going To Be Difficult Going Forward – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra suggested that Shivam Dube might be selected over Jitesh in India’s T20 World Cup squad if the team opts for Rahul as the wicketkeeper.

“Jitesh gave away his wicket. Jitesh will have to be mindful that it’s going to be difficult going forward because his race will be with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. Ishan Kishan – maybe not, but Dhruv Jurel, who has now come in the Test team as well,” Chopra said.

“It’s going to be an amazing race in the first half of the IPL. In the end, it could be a shoot-out between Jitesh and Shivam Dube. I know they are not for the same role, but if KL Rahul comes as a wicketkeeper, the Indian team might consider going with just one keeper because they can’t leave Shivam Dube out,” he added.

The ongoing series is India’s final T20I assignment before the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. The selection process will be influenced by the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The World Cup is set to commence a few days after the IPL.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Is Fearless And Carefree – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra commended Yashasvi Jaiswal for his assertive batting style in the recent T20I match against Afghanistan. He expressed that Jaiswal’s performance has created a positive dilemma for the selectors, stating that he should open in the T20 World Cup.

“Yashasvi Jaiswal is praiseworthy. He is outstanding. He is fearless and carefree. He is not reckless or careless but extremely attacking, and attacks with great confidence, that if he hits, it will go out of the ground only,” Chopra further added.

“This guy will definitely go to the West Indies. He has given a sweet headache to the Indian team. You will have to get him to open. You cannot touch him. A half-decent IPL and he is opening for India in the World Cup,” he concluded.

Jaiswal scored an impressive 68 off 34 balls, featuring five boundaries and six sixes. He formed partnerships of 57 runs with Virat Kohli and 92 runs with Shivam Dube, respectively. Dube scored 63 runs off 32 balls to take the team to victory with 26 balls to spare.

The Rohit Sharma-led team secured the series victory and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The third and final T20I match between India and Afghanistan will be played at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, January 17.

Also read: “Virat Kohli’s Role In T20Is Will Be..”- Aakash Chopra’s Truth Bomb For T20 World Cup 2024