Coping with Loss: Jitesh Sharma's Journey from Cricket to Family Responsibilities

Jitesh Sharma, a cricketer who was left out of India's T20 World Cup squad, has found a new perspective on life after spending his father's final days by his side. Sharma's disappointment with the World Cup exclusion diminished as he faced the profound loss of his father, Mohan Sharma, on February 1.

"When I heard about my non-selection, I was disheartened," Sharma told PTI. "But spending time with my ill father before he passed made me grateful for those moments. Losing him reshaped my priorities, and I now hold significant family responsibilities as the eldest son." Despite his grief, Sharma remains committed to his cricket career, finding solace in playing the sport that connects him to his father's legacy.

Discussing his cricket journey, Sharma remains open to adapting roles on the team, including playing alongside other wicketkeeper-batters. He also shared admiration for teammate Rinku Singh and Virat Kohli, noting that while matching Kohli's intensity is challenging, it provides immense inspiration.