India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma talked about losing his father after getting snubbed from the T20 World Cup 2026.

Jitesh had joined India's T20I squad following the team's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, but he was unable to capitalize on the few opportunities that came his way.

In contrast, Kishan, who had been out of India's plans for more than two years, staged a dream like comeback following a good domestic season. He also justified his selection with a string of outstanding performances throughout India's triumphant domestic campaign.

Jitesh Sharma missed out on the bus for the T20 World Cup and was dejected; however, the keeper-batter also revealed that he needed to be by his ailing father’s side at the time.

“When I got the news, I was a little disheartened. I’m only human, so it’s natural to feel sad and disappointed. But with time, and with the support of my family and friends, I was able to move past that phase.

My father had fallen ill, and he passed away on February 1. I was with him for seven days during that period. Later, I realised that my dad needed me more than the World Cup. I have no regrets about it. I’m grateful to God that I could be by his side and take care of him in his final days,” Jitesh Sharma said in an interaction with PTI.

Despite his disappointment at losing out on playing a home T20 World Cup for India, Jitesh Sharma was elated for the Men in Blue, who became the first three-time champions.

“I watched the World Cup from home, which is a very different and far more stressful feeling than actually playing. I’m really happy for the boys—they fulfilled the vision of the coach, captain, and the entire team since the Asia Cup," he said.