Agarkar Reveals Why Ishan Kishan Replaced Jitesh Sharma in India's T20 WC Squad

• Ishan Kishan replaced Jitesh Sharma in India's 2026 T20 World Cup squad due to 'team combinations', as explained by chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
• Kishan returned to the T20I squad after a break, showcasing exceptional form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 517 runs at a strike-rate of 197.32.
• The decision is linked to Sanju Samson's role as opener; Kishan provides a backup wicketkeeper who can also bat at the top.
• Jitesh Sharma, primarily a finisher, would have necessitated two changes if Samson's form dipped, unlike Kishan who offers a direct replacement.
• Agarkar emphasized the selection was about strategic combinations, not Jitesh or Shubman Gill's individual performance.

Why It Matters: Ishan Kishan's inclusion is a strategic move for top-order flexibility and backup in India's T20 WC squad.