India is all set to witness the battle of wicketkeepers for a spot in the XI for the games in the T20 World Cup. Rishbah Pant will make his comeback to international cricket on the big stage after being one the sidelines due to a horrific car crash in December 2022. On the other hand, the Men in Blue have also picked Sanju Samson in the 15-member squad, rewarding his consistent performances in IPL.
As we inch closer to the World Cup, one question that plagues the minds of fans is which keeper would make it to the XI. While Pant is clearly the frontrunner, given his stats in the shortest format, Sanju cannot be counted out, specifically due to his form in the last two months and the ability to deliver what India may need exactly.
Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson? Who will fit perfectly in India’s T20 World Cup XI?
Speaking to BCCI ahead of the marquee tournament, Rishabh Pant expressed excitement on returning to Team India’s camp. He also addressed the growing popularity of cricket in the USA and how it felt special for him to play the World Cup in the country.
“Getting back on the field with the Indian jersey on is something that I have missed a lot. Seeing the teammates and meeting them again, having fun and conversations with them really means a lot. We are used to playing in different countries but this is a new prospect. It has opened up a new channel for sport and I feel getting the exposure will be good for cricket and USA cricket,” Rishabh Pant said in a video to BCCI.
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More on T20 WC
The battle of two top keeper-batters
Sanju Samson had his best IPL season ever so far, finishing with 531 runs to his name that puts him on the 5th spot in the list of highest run-scorers. The Kerala batter proved why he was the right pick for India in the T20 WC squad with commendable and consistent performances that helped RR dominate majority of IPL 2024.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant had a great outing as well in IPL 2024, surprising many with his technique and big hitting ability despite making a comeback after a nightmare accident. He amassed 446 runs in 13 innings for DC, turning back the clock to showcase his ability with both bat and the gloves.
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