Sanju Samson likely to be India’s wicketkeeper for T20 World Cup

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo on Monday, Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson is poised to be India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in the West Indies and USA starting June 1.

Rishabh Pant, who has recently returned to competitive cricket in the IPL following a car accident in 2022, along with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul and Mumbai Indians (MI) star Ishan Kishan, are also in the running for this crucial role.

Samson is currently leading his rivals, holding the fourth position in the IPL 2024 run tally with 385 runs, averaging 77.00 and striking at 161.08, including four half-centuries and a top score of 82*.

Rahul follows closely, ranking as the fifth-highest run-scorer with 378 runs at an average of 42.00, including four half-centuries, though his strike rate of approximately 144 is relatively low compared to his peers. Pant is next, with 371 runs from 10 matches, averaging 46.37 and a strike rate of 160.60, his best score being 88*.

Ishan Kishan, who lacks a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) central contract, has performed the least impressively among the contenders, with 212 runs from nine games at an average of 23.55 and a single half-century, though his strike rate of 165.62 is the highest among the group.

The IPL form is generally not a significant factor in national team selection. The selection panel and management are enthusiastic about LSG pace prodigy Mayank Yadav’s skills, although his current injury could jeopardize his chances for a spot in the T20 World Cup.

The batting lineup’s top four positions were essentially decided before the IPL, with captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal slated to open, Virat Kohli at number three, and the top-ranked T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav at number four.

Hardik Pandya’s participation as an all-rounder is under scrutiny due to concerns over his bowling fitness, as he has been limited to bowling mostly two overs per match for his IPL team and has had minimal impact otherwise.

The inclusion of Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh in the World Cup squad would necessitate the exclusion of either a backup keeper or a bowler, with Rinku and a backup pacer most likely competing for a spot.

Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is favored over Axar Patel as the primary spin-bowling all-rounder, with Axar positioned as a potential backup. Kuldeep is expected to be the squad’s main finger spinner.

The injury to Mohammed Shami has reduced India’s fast bowling options, with Jasprit Bumrah expected to lead the attack. Arshdeep Singh is likely to join despite his struggles in the death overs, with Avesh Khan and Mohammed Siraj also contending for spots due to their distinct abilities. Harshit Rana from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mohsin Khan from LSG have impressed the selectors, although concerns about their fitness may affect their selection prospects.