[Exclusive] Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson both should be in India's playing XI at T20 WC: RP Singh

RP Singh also opined at what positions Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant should bat for India.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 on April 30. The selection committee named star wicket-keeper batters Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant in the Men in Blue line-up. However, 2007 World T20 champion RP Singh feels that both the keepers should feature in the India playing XI at the T20 World Cup 2024.

Pant made his much-awaited return to the game during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he led the Delhi Capitals (DC). Pant returned to the game 14 months after suffering near-fatal accident in December 2022. Pant had a brilliant run with the bat, as he was the top run-getter for DC. The stylish left-handed batter amassed 446 runs in 13 matches with an average of 40.55 and a superb strike rate of 155.40.

Right-handed batter Samson finished at fifth spot in the Orange Cap leaderboard in the IPL 2024 season. Captaining Rajasthan Royals, the wicket-keeper batter smashed 531 runs in 16 games at an average of 48.27. He was the second-highest run scorer for the Royals, and his performance earned him maiden call-up for an ICC event.

Rishabh Pant and Samson should play in playing XI: RP Singh

Following inclusion of both the wicket-keeper batters in the side, many cricketing pundits have had different opinion on who should be in India’s starting XI at the showpiece event. However, Former Indian bowler RP Singh believes that both Samson and Pant should be Included in India’s playing XI in T20 World Cup 2024. Singh further added that Samson should bat at No. 3, whereas Pant should bat at No. 5.

“Both should play. At Number 3, Sanju Samson and at number 5, Rishabh Pant,” RP Singh told Khel Now on the sidelines of India Champions’ WCL squad announcement.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should open: RP Singh

The former left-arm seamer further added that skipper Rohit Sharma and IPL 2024 Orange Cap winner Virat Kohli should open for the Men in Blue at the global event. The 38-year-old said that Suryakumar should play at No. 4, whereas vice-captain Hardik Pandya should bat at No. 6.

“I think Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should open, at number three Sanju Samson. At No. 4 it should be Surya. Rishabh Pant should bat at No. 5. Sixth place should have been Hardik. This should have been a line-up like this,” RP Singh said.

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