Sanju Samson vs. Jitesh Sharma: Comparing T20 Stats for India’s Top Wicketkeeping Options

On the eve of India's first match in the Asia Cup, here is a comparison of Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma's T20 stats.

Sanju Samson vs. Jitesh Sharma: Comparing T20 Stats for India’s Top Wicketkeeping Options

Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma (via One Cricket)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

With the Asia Cup upon the Indian crowd, it is interesting to take a look at two of India’s most promising wicketkeeping options going forward. When it comes to T20 cricket, the best two options with the gloves that India holds are Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma. Both are incredibly successful batters and safe keepers for their respective sides in the IPL and Indian cricket as well.

Sanju Samson has been the face of Rajasthan Royals when it comes to IPL cricket for over a decade now. His overall T20 numbers which include the IPL, international cricket and domestic cricket prove why many consider him a natural in the shortest version of the sport.

In 304 T20s Samson has scored a mammoth 7629 runs. He averages a decent 29.68. What might scare a few bowlers is his fierce strike rate of 137. In addition to these batting numbers, he has taken 155 catches behind the stumps and inflicted 33 stumpings.

Jitesh Sharma on the other hand rose to prominence due to his remarkable stint with the Royals Challengers Bengaluru this year. He was a known player, and many rated him, however this IPL shot his fame up. Sharma’s T20 numbers are phenomenal.

In 141 T20s, Sharma has scored an impressive 2886 runs at an average of 27.22. His strike rate of 152.29 is the real deal, with him having the ability to change situations at any point in a match. He has taken 99 catches behind the stumps and inflicted 18 stumpings.

It is important to note that both keepers come with different skill sets. Samson is a top order batter that strives for consistency, thus the better average and lower strike rate. Sharma on the other hand is a middle order batsman and finisher who looks to provide acceleration whenever needed in an innings. He therefore boasts of a greater strike with his consistency up and down at times.

Both players bat at different positions making it easy for the selectors as well. With Samson a sure regular in the T20I side, he will be opening with Abhishek Sharma. The kind of IPL impact Jitesh Sharma has had he might be the best finisher to have in the side as well.

India’s most likely XI for match against UAE

India’s Asia Cup will start on day 2 of the tournament. They will be up against the United Arab Emirates, and the match will be held at the Dubai International Stadium. India would look to start strong and send archrivals Pakistan a strong statement before the massive showdown on Sunday.

India is expected to field the XI that has been representing the team for a long time without tinkering too much. The only big change could be the inclusion of newly appointed vice captain Shubman Gill, who hasn’t played a T20I match for over a year now.

Indian T20I team in a huddle.
Indian T20I team

The openers who have been prolific for India in the last four series are expected to stay the same with both Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma all set to start the innings. Shubman Gill would best fit in this powerful squad at number 3 considering the fact that he would provide solidity in tough conditions. Suryakumar Yadav, the captain will slot in at number 4 to increase the creativity in the side.

Tilak Varma who had batted at 3 previously, would go down the order at 5 after Gill’s inclusion in the XI. India’s squad depth allows them to play two all-rounders at number 6 and 7. A pace bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya and a spin bowling all-rounder in Axar Patel.

The batting though will end here with India looking to play four genuine bowlers after this. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy would be the spin options. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh would be the ideal pace options to complete the line up.

This Indian side looks like a complete unit with every box ticked. They have powerful batters till number 7. The bowling depth is admirable with three genuine and varied spin options. To add to that, three different fast bowlers as well. With this competition India should be favorites to win the tournament, unless the unpredictability of the sport steps in.

India Probable XI: Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.

Also Read: