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Jitesh Sharma says the Pandya brothers are among the most helpful individuals he has encountered throughout his cricket career.
Jitesh Sharma (right) has praised Hardik Pandya for his nature. (PTI Photo)
India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma said allrounder Hardik Pandya was the first to check on him after he was left out of the 15-man squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The selectors opted for Sanju Samson and recalled Ishan Kishan, with Jitesh missing out despite being the second-choice wicketkeeper-batter.
While Samson had already cemented his place as an opener and first-choice wicketkeeper, Ishan forced his way back into contention with an impressive domestic run, leading Jharkhand to a historic title win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
India went on to win the T20 World Cup for a record third time.
“Hardik bhai was the first one who messaged me when I wasn’t picked for the World Cup,” Jitesh told Ranveer Allahbadia. “He advised me to just keep growing as a person, as a cricketer. A lot of cricketers messaged me. Arshdeep (Singh), Avesh (Khan) – they are my good friends and they all messaged. Shivam (Dube) bhai too.”
Jitesh lauded Hardik for his helpful nature.
“Hardik Pandya is the most helpful guy I’ve met. I’ve not met anyone who gives more bats to kids than him, even without being asked. He even gave one to me once. Even Krunal bhai, you call him and he’s there to help you,” he said.
“I also play for Baroda and have interacted with him (Hardik) several times. He’s a very smart cricketer who knows exactly what he’s doing,” he added.
Jitesh also praised Krunal Pandya for his street-smartness on the field, noting how the left-arm spinner plants doubt in batters’ minds through clever use of the bouncer.
“Have you ever seen a spinner bowl a bouncer? He’s the first spinner who (regularly) does that. That shows his mentality. Have you ever heard of a batter being afraid that a spinner might bowl a bouncer? That’s the fear he has created,” he said.
March 27, 2026, 09:47 IST
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