Jitesh Sharma praised “big brother” Sanju Samson as both players fight for a spot in India’s T20I starting squad.

Jitesh featured their series opener against South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 10 off five deliveries and taking four catches with the gloves as India won by 101 runs at Barabati Stadium.

The Proteas were bowled out for just 74, their lowest ever score in the format.

India have won six of their last seven men’s T20Is against South Africa, including their last three in a row, batting first in all seven of those fixtures.

A fourth-straight victory would equal the longest winning streak of either team in the history of this fixture, set previously by India from June to October in 2022.

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Ahead of the T20 World Cup next year, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Jitesh faces competition from Samson for the wicketkeeper position.

Jitesh insisted he knows what his role is in the side, while claiming he has a great relationship with Samson.

“I’m very grateful that he is in this team. Frankly speaking, he’s like a big brother, and healthy competition brings out your talent,” said Jitesh.

“It’s good for the team also, that there’s so much talent in the India team. He’s a great player, and if I’m competing shoulder-to-shoulder with him, that’s when I need to bring my A game.

“We both are trying to play for India, and we are like brothers, we share a lot of experience and he helps me a lot, whenever I do keeping or batting.

“Role clarity is there for sure, that I will bat in the lower-middle order. Whatever opportunities I get, I will try to do what’s in my control.

“I have full clarity from the management on what my role is and what their expectations are from me.”