The T20 World Cup 2024 is closer than it may appear, and the battle for India’s wicket-keeper spot is heating up. With several talented contenders vying for the gloves, the selection dilemma is a fascinating one. Here’s a look at the “Fatal 5” who could potentially don the wicket-keeping mantle for India in June:
1. Sanju Samson: The elegant batter from Kerala has been in and out of the T20I squad, showcasing glimpses of brilliance but lacking consistency. His maiden international century in ODIs might have earned him a place in the final T20I squad (Afghanistan series) before the World Cup, but his mixed bag of performances against West Indies and Ireland leaves room for doubt.
2. Jitesh Sharma: The rising star from Vidarbha has impressed with his aggressive batting style and focus on strike rate. His handy knocks against Australia kept him in the reckoning, but a disappointing outing against South Africa raises questions about his future. And the ongoing series against Afghanistan and IPL 2024 will be another crucial test for him.
3. Ishan Kishan: The young southpaw, once considered a frontrunner for the wicket-keeper role, has requested a break due to mental fatigue. The relentless schedule and inconsistent playing time seem to have taken their toll. While his exclusion from the Afghanistan squad suggests he might be out of favor, a strong IPL performance could revive his chances.
4. Rishabh Pant: The explosive wicket-keeper batter is currently recovering from a car accident and is expected to return during IPL 2024. If he has a successful season with the bat, there will be calls to include him in the World Cup squad. However, his fitness and form remain major question marks.
5. KL Rahul: The Indian star, rediscovering his Test form in South Africa, might be relieved of wicketkeeping duties in the upcoming series against England. This opens the door for KL Rahul to focus solely on his batting in the Test and probably T20 format, potentially making him a contender for the World Cup.
The Verdict: With the World Cup still five months away, the race for the wicket-keeper spot is wide open. Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma currently hold the advantage, but Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant cannot be ruled out.
KL Rahul’s potential switch to solely batting adds another interesting dimension to the selection conundrum. Ultimately, the selectors will have to carefully weigh each player’s strengths, weaknesses, and current form before making a decision that could shape India’s fortunes in the T20 World Cup.
Who do you think should be India’s wicket-keeper in the T20 World Cup?
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