There is certainly no rift between the two wicketkeepers in India's T20 setup - Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma. The former had been in exemplary form last year, smashing three centuries in five T20Is at a time when he was opening the batting. However, he lost his place at the top of the order after Shubman Gill returned to the side during the Asia Cup. Samson played a few games in the middle order, and after indifferent outings, he was replaced by Jitesh on the tour of Australia last month.
Both of them are auditioning for a spot in India's squad for next year's T20 World Cup. However, there is no animosity blended with competition, as Jitesh said after the first T20I against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9, that Samson is like an elder brother to him and helps him in developing his game by sharing his cricketing experiences.
Jitesh has earned his place in the playing XI because the team management feels he is better-suited to the finisher's role than Samson, who is more of a top-order batter. The Baroda wicketkeeper has made a reputation for himself as a finisher after playing a significant role for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their title-winning campaign this year.
