With the ICC announcing the schedule of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 starting from June 1 in the United States and West Indies, selection boards around the world are discussing who to include in the squad and who to leave out .
Even for a team like India, experts are discussing player permutations and combinations almost every day.
As the debate is still going on over the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the T20I format, former India cricketer Suresh Raina was quick to point out the increasing competition for one slot, which is wicketkeeping.
Given that India have five options – KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant, the decision to pick two of them will be a tough task.
Also read: Virat Kohli likely to be left out of T20 World Cup 2024 squad as selectors consider Rohit Sharma’s replacement: Report
Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma were both picked for the role in the three-match contest against Afghanistan starting on Thursday in Mohali, while KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant are in the running for the position.
But Raina believes Samson could be a better option, citing the brilliant century he scored against South Africa in the ODI series last month.
Also, Pant’s tragic car accident in December 2022 made Kishan his first choice. However, Samson and Jitesh were given first preference before Ishan.
Meanwhile, Pant is expected to return for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, however, there are doubts over his wicketkeeping abilities.
talking to Hindustan Times Ahead of India’s opener against Afghanistan, Raina does not see any significant changes in the current squad keeping the T20 World Cup in mind.
“I think there will be tough competition for the wicketkeeping slot. Rishabh Pant will be fit, KL Rahul will be back, Samson and Jitesh are already there, and Ishan Kishan is also there. That position will become very important.” Hindustan Times He was quoted as saying.
Also read: ‘When he is available..’: Rahul Dravid supports Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer; denial of indiscipline aspect
He also backed Samson, saying that he can emerge as the ‘X factor’ for India in ICC events.
“You can’t write off Samson after the century he scored in the ODI against South Africa. He is a fearless batsman, a good wicketkeeper and a player worthy of captaincy. He has always performed well whenever he has been given the opportunity. Then there is Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. There will be a big call. But I would prefer Samson because, in the middle overs, he plays excellent pick-up shots. I think IPL also plays an important role in this. Selection process but the Afghanistan series will be a big opportunity for him. He can be the X-factor for India in the World Cup,” he said.
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Published: Jan 11, 2024, 05:47 PM IST
