As the T20 World Cup draws near, speculations abound regarding India’s team composition, with the wicketkeeper position being the subject of much debate. While some advocate for Rishabh Pant, others favour KL Rahul. However, Rajasthan Royals’ skipper, Sanju Samson, appears poised to claim the spot of India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter for the ICC T20 World Cup, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Samson’s outstanding performance in the ongoing IPL season strengthens his case, as he currently sits fourth in the run charts with 385 runs at an impressive average of 77.00 and a strike rate of 161.08, including four half-centuries.
His competitors, including KL Rahul, who ranks fifth in the run-scoring charts, and Rishabh Pant, at sixth position, are also vying for the spot. However, their performances, though noteworthy, may not outweigh Samson’s consistency and form.
Ishan Kishan, despite his lower run tally, boasts the highest strike rate among the contenders. Yet, his overall contribution may not be sufficient to secure him the starting spot.
While IPL form is not the sole criterion for selection, it does provide valuable insight into players’ current capabilities. However, factors such as injuries, as seen with Mayank Yadav, may influence selection decisions.
The likely top four of the Indian batting lineup — comprising Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav—have already been established. Similarly, the inclusion of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, despite concerns over his bowling fitness, seems probable.
In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja is favoured over Axar Patel, with Kuldeep Yadav likely to feature as the sole finger spinner. However, Mohammed Shami’s injury has diminished India’s fast bowling options, with Jasprit Bumrah expected to lead the pace attack.
Contenders such as Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mohammed Siraj are under consideration for the fast bowling slots. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana and Mohsin Khan have impressed selectors but face fitness concerns.
Here’s the likely T20 World Cup squad according to ESPNCricinfo:
– Top order: Rohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav.
– Middle and lower-middle order: Sanju Samson (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh.
– Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav.
– Fast bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan/Mohammed Siraj.
– Other contenders: KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma.
