Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul set for T20 World Cup squad as wicketkeepers

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are expected to be chosen as wicketkeepers for India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad, while left-handed batter Shivam Dube is also likely to be selected due to his outstanding performances in recent T20 matches, sources revealed.

The discussions regarding squad selections were intensified after a meeting between BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and team captain Rohit Sharma following the 43rd IPL 2024 match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI).

“A source from the BCCI selection committee indicated that Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are strong candidates for the wicketkeeper spots in the T20 World Cup squad. Shivam Dube is also expected to be included”- Source.

Pant, the DC captain, has been impressive in the IPL 2024, amassing 371 runs in 10 matches with a strike rate of 160.60, positioning him fourth in the race for the orange cap in the current season.

KL Rahul, captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, is the third highest run-scorer this IPL season, having scored 378 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 144.27.

Dube has been a pivotal figure in Chennai Super Kings’ title defense, making a strong case for his inclusion in the T20 World Cup team with 311 runs in eight matches, including three fifties, and a best score of 66*.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will commence on June 1 in the USA and West Indies. India’s campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland, followed by a key match against Pakistan on June 9, both scheduled at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.