The race to be India’s premier India wicketkeeper has never been more intense. On one side, you have the explosive, ever-reliable Jitesh Sharma. On the other, the elegant and experienced Sanju Samson. Their competition isn’t just about stats; it’s about defining the future of Indian cricket’s most crucial middle-order role.
Jitesh recently made headlines by describing his relationship with Samson as that of an “elder brother,” emphasizing a “healthy competition” while stating their shared goal: “We both are trying to play for India” . But behind the mutual respect lies a high-stakes battle for a coveted spot in India’s 2025 T20 World Cup squad.
Table of Contents
- The Stat Showdown: Jitesh vs. Sanju
- IPL 2025 Performance: A Tale of Two Keepers
- International Form: Who Has the Edge?
- The Team Dynamics: Why Jitesh Might Be Preferred
- Conclusion: The Future of India’s Wicketkeeping
- Sources
The Stat Showdown: Jitesh Sharma vs. Sanju Samson
Statistics don’t lie, and the numbers paint a fascinating picture of two players on divergent paths. In the ongoing 2025 domestic and franchise season, their outputs have been markedly different.
While Jitesh has thrived in the high-pressure finisher’s role, Samson’s numbers have dipped since being moved from his preferred opening position in the Indian T20I setup . In 14 T20I matches in 2025, Samson managed only 185 runs at a concerning average of 18.5 and a strike rate of 120.91 .
IPL 2025 Performance: A Tale of Two Keepers
The 2025 IPL was a watershed moment for Jitesh Sharma. Signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a massive INR 11 Crore , he delivered in style. He amassed 261 runs in just 11 innings at a blistering strike rate of 176.35 and a solid average of 37.29 . His ability to clear the boundary from ball one, with a tally of 31 sixes, showcased his perfect fit as a modern T20 finisher .
Sanju Samson, on the other hand, had a relatively quiet IPL 2025 campaign. He scored 285 runs in 9 innings, with a highest score of 66, at an average of 35.6 and a strike rate of 140.4 . While respectable, it lacked the explosive, game-changing flair that has become a prerequisite for the current Indian T20I middle order.
International Form: Who Has the Edge?
Recent selections for the India vs South Africa 2025 series have been telling. The squad announcements have consistently named Jitesh Sharma as the primary wicketkeeper, with Samson often relegated to the bench or even left out altogether . This strategic shift by the Indian team management is a clear signal of their current priorities: explosive power-hitting from the 15th over onwards.
Former India player Sanjay Bangar has publicly backed this move, stating that Jitesh’s skill as a “good finisher” makes him the better option for the current team composition . This is a far cry from a few years ago when Samson was seen as the undisputed heir apparent.
The Team Dynamics: Why Jitesh Might Be Preferred
The Indian T20I side, built around the core of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, demands a specific skill set from its wicketkeeper. They need a player who can walk in at No. 5 or 6 with 30 balls remaining and immediately take charge.
Here’s why Jitesh Sharma fits this mould perfectly:
- Finisher’s Mentality: His IPL and recent international cameos have proven his nerve in high-pressure chases.
- Higher Strike Rate: His 2025 strike rate of 176+ is significantly higher than Samson’s, aligning with the team’s aggressive philosophy.
- Current Trust: He’s the man the selectors are turning to for the crucial India T20 World Cup wicketkeeper role in 2025 .
Samson, while a beautiful timer of the ball and a more classical batsman, is often seen as a top-order player. His struggles in the middle order for India have been well-documented . For the team to leverage his talent, they’d need to restructure the batting, a move they seem unwilling to make at this juncture.
Conclusion: The Future of India’s Wicketkeeping
The “healthy competition” between Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson is a luxury for Indian cricket, but it’s clear who holds the upper hand right now. Jitesh’s explosive form in the IPL 2025 and his perfect fit for the team’s current tactical blueprint have made him the de facto first-choice India wicketkeeper for the T20 format.
Samson’s class is undeniable, and he could easily reclaim his spot with a series of dominant performances from the middle order. Until then, the gloves—and the responsibility of finishing games—seem firmly in Jitesh Sharma’s hands as India builds its squad for the 2025 T20 World Cup. For more on India’s squad dynamics, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-world-cup-2025-squad-predictions].
Sources
[1] Times of India: We both are trying to play for India: Jitesh on competition with Samson
[2] Web Search Results: Various sources on Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson’s 2025 performances and team selections.
For an authoritative look at global cricket rankings and player profiles, visit the official ICC website.