As the T20 World Cup 2024 looms closer, India’s management faces tough decisions regarding the composition of the starting XI from the 15-man squad. One particularly challenging choice revolves around the wicketkeeper position, with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson emerging as the primary contenders. While both players have showcased remarkable performances in IPL 2024, Gautam Gambhir, former India opener and current KKR mentor, has expressed his preference.
Gambhir’s Clear Choice: Rishabh Pant In Gambhir’s view, while both Pant and Samson possess exceptional qualities, Pant’s natural batting position tips the scales in his favor. Gambhir asserts, “Looking at Team India’s combination, we need the wicketkeeper in that position and not in the top order. So I’d start with Rishabh Pant.” He further highlights Pant’s left-handed middle-order batting style, which offers a valuable left-hand-right-hand combination to the team.
Comparing Samson and Pant Both Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant have demonstrated stellar performances in IPL 2024. Samson’s leadership has propelled Rajasthan Royals into the playoff stage, while Pant has displayed consistency after his return to competitive cricket post a 14-month hiatus. Samson has amassed 486 runs in 12 matches, boasting an impressive average of over 60. Meanwhile, Pant has contributed 446 runs in 13 matches. Despite batting lower down the order, Pant’s performance remains commendable, considering he faces fewer deliveries than Samson.
