In a surprising move, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson have clinched spots as the wicketkeeper-batsmen in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering the exclusion of the tried and tested KL Rahul, who last played a T20I in November 2022 following his underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar sheds light on the rationale behind this selection, emphasizing the need for adaptable middle-order batsmen. While acknowledging Rahul’s talent, Agarkar underscores the flexibility offered by Pant and Samson, both of whom can slot in at various positions in the batting order. With India already boasting formidable opening options in Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the focus shifted towards strengthening the middle-order.
Agarkar articulates this decision during the T20 World Cup 2024 squad announcement press conference, stating, “No doubt KL Rahul is a class and incredible player. But I feel Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are doing incredible and they are perfect for us. KL Rahul has been opening in the IPL. We were mainly looking for middle-order options. So, we felt that Samson and Pant are better suited for that. Samson can bat anywhere in the lineup. So, it was just about what we needed and not about who was better.”
The finalized India squad for the T20 World Cup comprises a blend of seasoned veterans and promising talents, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge and Hardik Pandya as his deputy. Alongside Pant and Samson, the squad features stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, offering a formidable balance of experience and exuberance.
