Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant? Gautam Gambhir picks his wicket-keeper for India playing 11 in T20 WC

Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are the two wicket-keepers in India squad for T20 WC 2024.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has settled the debate for once and all on whether Sanju Samson should start for India in their playing XI in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 or Rishabh Pant.

Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals’ respective IPL 2024 captains, will compete for that one berth. With each of them playing completely different roles for their respective teams, the Indian team management would face an interesting and difficult decision.

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been on fire in IPL 2024, with 486 runs in 12 games. Samson’s outstanding performance in the IPL 2024 also helped him earn a spot in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad.

Rishabh Pant also has been named in the India squad for the mega event. Pant returned to cricket after a lengthy absence due to injury and performed admirably for the Delhi Capitals, hitting 446 runs in 13 games.

Gautam Gambhir picks Rishabh Pant as his first-choice keeper for T20 WC

KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir has backed Rishabh Pant to start ahead of Sanju Samson in India’s playing XI for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 

Gautam Gambhir offered two compelling reasons why Rishabh Pant may be cutting ahead of Sanju Samson. Gambhir first outlined Pant and Sanju’s respective duties for the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. The former batted in the middle order, but the latter scored all of his runs from the top.

“While Pant has batted in the middle order in IPL, Sanju has batted in the top order. Pant being a left-hander batter can bring variety to the team’s middle order. Looking at Team India’s combination, we need the wicketkeeper in that position and not in the top order.” – Gambhir said on Sportskeeda.

Gambhir also added that if the team’s management believes Samson can adjust as number six or seven, he should be given an opportunity. However, Gambhir believes that Indian fans should support whichever wicket-keeper batsman competes in the World Cup.

“But again, if they see that Sanju can score more runs at number six or seven, they could go with him as well. Whoever plays, I think we should back that player.” – Gambhir concluded.

India will begin their T20 WC journey on June 5 against Ireland in New York.

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