Harbhajan stated that there should be no controversy about Sanju Samson’s participation in the World Cup. He also suggested that Samson be nurtured as the future T20I captain, following Rohit.
Who should be India’s wicketkeeper in the T20 World Cup?
The current contenders are Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Dinesh Karthik, KL Rahul, and Jitesh Sharma. Ishan Kishan, although an influential batsman at the top of the Mumbai Indians’ order, is unlikely to be regarded just on the basis of his batting position. India needs someone to bat in the middle order. Pant and Dinesh Karthik outperform the rest, who tend to bat in the top three. Jitesh has built his name as a finisher, but his poor performance in the IPL 2024 has set him back.
As things stand, Pant and Samson look to be the frontrunners, with Karthik emerging as the dark horse. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru veteran has stated that he is willing to give one more try at glory in the international tournament, which will be held in the United States and the West Indies in June and July this year.
Because the competition will be contested in foreign settings, it is almost expected that India’s 15-man roster will include two expert goalkeepers. It may come down to what the selection committee expects from its goalkeeper.
Pant has proven his fitness while guiding the Delhi Capitals. If team management is considering a left-handed alternative, Pant is an obvious choice. Then there’s the part Karthik plays. Even at the age of 38, Karthik has proven to be one of the best finishers in the shortest format.
Harbhajan Singh, a former India cricketer, feels the place should go to Samson, the Rajasthan Royals’ captain. The former off-spinner believes there should be no dispute over Samson’s inclusion in India’s T20I XI. He even stated that the Kerala player should be groomed as India’s future T20I captain, after Rohit Sharma.
“Sanju Samson should join the Indian team for the T20 World Cup and be groomed as India’s future T20 captain after Rohit. “Koi shak (any doubts)?” Harbhajan wrote about X.
Sanju Samson versus Pant against Karthik for the T20 World Cup
Sanju Samson has performed admirably as a hitter and captain in this season’s IPL. The right-hander has 314 runs in eight matches this year, with a strike rate of 152.3. The Royals are on the verge of being the first club to guarantee postseason qualifying this season, with 14 points in eight games.
Sanju Samson has excelled as captain. He outperforms the rest in terms of running weight. However, like with Kishan, Samson’s batting position may work against him. He scored all of the runs while batting third for RR.
Pant, on the other hand, has scored 254 runs at a strike rate of 150 while batting at number four or five this season. Depending on the match scenario, India’s keeper will most likely bat at No. 5 or No. 6.
Although Sanju Samson has batted in that position for India in T20Is and ODIs, Pant has more experience and is a left-handed batsman. Then there’s Karthik, who has 251 runs and a strike rate of 196 for RCB this season. But will the selections turn back to DK instead of moving ahead? The question is expected to be addressed in less than a fortnight.
