Team India is set to begin their T-20 World Cup campaign with a practice match against Bangladesh on June 1. The 15-man squad compiled by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, has some high-profile exclusions. However, even in its current form, the Indian team looks dangerous and more than capable of defeating any side in the world.
While players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are sure shot names in the starting eleven, Team India will have to find a solution for their wicket-keeping position. Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are the two names in the squad who are in contention for the keeper’s position. The good news is that both of them are in stellar form heading into the tournament. However, Team India will have to make a decision and go with only one of them to complete the squad.
Pant and Samson are sensational batters and can win games single-handedly with their abilities. However, they also offer leadership qualities as both of them are captains in their respective IPL teams. Pant who returned to cricket after being ruled out of action for over a year and a half, scored 446 runs at a strike-rate of 155.40 in 14 games. Samson on the other hand, led his team to the playoffs by scoring 531 runs. Making a call between the two is going to be tough for the team, but looking at the big match experience, Pant might edge Samson out to get into the starting eleven.
Why Rishabh Pant might be the safer pick for Team India at the World Cup?
Rishabh Pant is one of the most polarizing figures in cricket. He had an unfortunate accident that sidelined him for a year and a half, but the Delhi-born player is back better than ever. After a sensational IPL campaign, where he scored the most runs for Delhi Capital, Pant will be looking to put on a great showing for Team India at the T-20 World Cup. He was part of the Indian team in their last two T-20 World Cup campaigns. However, his role was very limited due to the selection of other players over him in the starting eleven.
This time around, Pant would be the main wicket-keeper for Team India as the only other option is Sanju Samson, but he would ideally not be part of the starting eleven. While it seems to be a lot of pressure, this is something Rishabh Pant can thrive in like he has in the past. His glove work is also sensational and he quite often produces moments of magic from behind the stumps.
This may seem to be a harsh decision for Sanju Samson to digest as he has been one of the most consistent players in the IPL. However, the team should not take a risk on the world stage by giving him the starting spot. The Kerala player has faced multiple exclusions in the past, but the team had to include him this time around due to his sensational performances. If Pant fails to contribute with the bat, Samson certainly can be a safe choice as he is more than capable of winning games with his scintillating batting display.
