The chatter around wicketkeeper's spot in India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 is rife as multiple names have been floating for the coveted role. Leading contenders for the role include Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan, each tipped as top choices for the crucial spot. While Samson's recent batting in Rajasthan Royals' win over LSG has deflected the scale in his favour, however the race for India's T20 World Cup wicketkeeper is still on. Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has weighed in, suggesting Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant for the first-choice wicketkeeper role.
India's Wicketkeeper's spot in focus with T20 World Cup looming
With the T20 World Cup squad announcement looming, key players put on a show in the recent clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals. KL Rahul silenced his critics once again with a blistering 76 off just 48 balls. His knock, studded with eight boundaries and two sixes, helped Lucknow post a formidable 196/5 on the board after winning consecutive matches against the Chennai Super Kings.
However, Rajasthan Royals had their own hero in the form of Sanju Samson. Chasing the target, Samson dominated the bowling attack with an unbeaten 71 off a mere 33 balls. His knock included four sixes and seven boundaries, leading Rajasthan to a comfortable victory with an over to spare.
With the T20 World Cup squad announcement approaching, the competition for the wicketkeeper's slot is heating up. In a recent interview with Star Sports, former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu threw his weight behind Sanju Samson for the role. While acknowledging KL Rahul's batting versatility, Sidhu prioritized current form as the key factor. He stated that based on this criterion, Samson has the edge over Rahul and even Rishabh Pant.
“No. 1 is Sanju Samson, on form. This is a different Samson. If India finds themselves in situations where they need a spare opener or No. 4 batter or at No. 6, they you have KL Rahul, who is also in form. But I will still prefer Samson, followed by Rishabh Pant. He is coming out of an injury. Now, do you consider him as a white-ball specialist? His form is a bit patchy and scratchy, but he has survived the test so far. My preferences are these three,” Sidhu, during a conversation with Star Sports, said.
Sidhu on Ishan Kishan's T20 World Cup chances
Navjot Singh Sidhu, a popular figure who made a much-talked-about return to commentary this IPL season, also addressed the absence of Ishan Kishan from the wicketkeeper conversation. He suggested that if the BCCI hadn't dropped Kishan from the central contracts for skipping domestic matches, he might have been a contender for the T20 World Cup squad.
“Had BCCI not punished Ishan Kishan, I would have considered him as well because he picks the ball early and has good reflexes,” Sidhu further added.
Ishan Kishan's central contract snub
Talking about Kishan's performance in the ongoing IPL, in a total of nine matches, he has scored just 216 runs. Notably, in 2023 he cracked 454 runs in 16 matches. Kishan's road to the IPL 2024 wasn't smooth sailing. He has a point to prove in the ongoing season, especially after facing BCCI's central contract snub. In December 2023, he was selected for the South Africa series but opted to withdraw due to mental fatigue. This decision was followed by a period of unavailability for international selection in the coming months.
Despite requests from India's head coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI secretary Jay Shah to participate in the Ranji Trophy, a domestic first-class tournament, Kishan chose to focus on IPL preparations alongside his Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik Pandya. This decision ultimately led to the exclusion of Kishan alongside Shreyas Iyer from BCCI's central contracts on February 28, 2024.
The BCCI's official statement cited Kishan's lack of participation in domestic cricket during his non-national team periods as the reason for this action. While expectations were for him to play domestic matches during his international breaks, Kishan remained absent from his state team, Jharkhand, for the Ranji Trophy.
"Please note that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were not considered for the annual contracts in this round of recommendations," the BCCI had earlier said in an official statement.
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