bcci-picks-rishabh-pant-and-samson-as-wicketkeeper-batters-for-t20-world-cup-2024

In preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has designated Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant as the two wicket-keeper batters in India's squad.

 

Rishabh Pant, currently leading Delhi Capitals (DC), has been showcasing outstanding form in his recent international appearances, amassing an impressive 446 runs across 13 matches.

 

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, at the helm of Rajasthan Royals (RR), has been a standout performer in the IPL 2024, accumulating a notable 486 runs in 12 games. Samson's contributions have been pivotal in RR's journey to the IPL 2024 playoffs.

 

As the T20 World Cup approaches, Team India skipper Rohit Sharma faces a challenging decision regarding the inclusion of either Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson in the playing 11.

 

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has weighed in on the debate, suggesting that Rishabh Pant should be the preferred choice as the first-choice wicketkeeper in India's playing 11.

 

Gambhir believes both players possess exceptional quality, but he leans towards Pant due to his natural proficiency in the middle-order batting role. Gambhir points out that while Sanju Samson has predominantly batted at number three in the IPL, Rishabh Pant's versatility has seen him excel across various positions, including five, six, and seven.

 

Gambhir emphasizes the importance of the wicketkeeper's position in India's playing combination, advocating for Pant's inclusion to maintain a balanced lineup.

 

Additionally, Gambhir highlights Pant's left-handed batting style, which adds diversity to India's batting order, creating a valuable left-hand-right-hand combination on the field.

 

The announced India squad for the T20 World Cup includes Rohit Sharma as captain, with Hardik Pandya as vice-captain.

 

The squad features other notable names such as Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bhumra.