India, Dec. 10 -- India's ongoing wealth of talent once again came into focus in Cuttack, where Jitesh Sharma was backed as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the series-opening T20I against South Africa in Cuttack. Jitesh retained the gloves after being preferred over Sanju Samson in the final two T20Is in Australia-an endorsement of the management's belief that Jitesh's power-hitting makes him a more natural fit at No. 7 or lower. Samson, despite excellent returns as an opener, has slipped down the pecking order following Shubman Gill's re-entry at the top of the order.

Jitesh, however, dismissed any notion that rivalry might overshadow the dressing room atmosphere. Instead, he spoke warmly about Samson's presence and influence, portray...