Just a day ahead of the India Squad announcement for the ICC T20 World Cup, the dynamics for the keeper’s spot has changed. Rishabh Pant has been the runaway candidate to don the gloves. But it was KL Rahul vs Sanju Samson for the second keeper’s spot in the team.
As fate would have it, both Samson and KL Rahul now are not in favour. Interestingly, the duo are highly unlikely to make it to the squad. Instead, Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel are now going neck to neck for the fight. As per reports, the sole reason for this turn of events – India need specialist batters in the lower order.
No chance for KL Rahul?
KL Rahul has been having a decent stint in IPL 2024. Depending on the need of his team, i.e Lucknow Super Giants he has adjusted batting position at the top and middle order. But now, as per reports, KL Rahul is unlikely to make it to USA and the Caribbeans.
As per reports, India has made it clear that it needs specialists at the lower order. This means KL Rahul doesn’t fit the bill. Rahul loves being the anchor down the middle, while India desperately needs hard hitting enforcers. This is also a reason why Sanju Samson will also miss the squad.
More on T20 WC
Jitesh Sharma joins Fray
Despite having a rather poor IPL 2024, Jitesh Sharma has now joined the fray. He is fighting with Dhruv Jurel for the second keeper’s spot for the Men in Blue. For the past year, Jitesh Sharma has been India’s number 1 keeper in the shortest format of the game.
But the dynamics changed when Samson and KL Rahul flourished in IPL. Adding more concerns for the blistering return of Rishabh Pant into action after an absence for more than a year. Since India now demands specialists, Jitesh fits the fill as a finisher. He can easily pair with either Rinku or Shivam Dube to finish games for India.
Dhruv Jurel is yet to make his debut for India ODIs or T20Is. But after 3 impressive Test matches in the IND vs ENG Test series, he is up for contention. Jurel slammed a hundred against the Three Lions after KL Rahul’s injury and Rajat Patidar’s poor outing.
