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As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024, the spotlight is firmly on Team India and the crucial decisions they face in finalizing their squad. With a wide pool of exceptionally talented players, the main challenge BCCI faces is to solve the middle-order conundrum.
Amidst the debates and speculations about who should be India’s choice for the middle-order batting role in T20 World Cup 2024, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar recently shared his insights on the matter and picked his preferred choice between the explosive Rishabh Pant and the versatile KL Rahul.
The T20 World Cup 2024 – India’s quest for glory
Scheduled to kick off on June 1, the T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling event, with teams from 20 nations competing for the prestigious title. With the tournament being hosted in the USA and West Indies, the stage is set for an exhilarating battle of skills and strategies.
After a heart-wrenching loss in the final of the ODI World Cup 2023, Team India is eager to end their title drought by clinching the coveted T20 World Cup 2024 trophy. However, the team management faces the challenge of selecting the most potent combination, especially in the middle order.
The middle-order dilemma
The eyes of cricket enthusiasts are fixed on Pant and Rahul, both of whom bring unique strengths to the table. Rahul’s consistency in Tests and ODIs contrasts with Pant’s game-changing abilities. However, Pant’s absence from cricketing action for almost a year due to a car accident adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Also READ: Here are India’s complete fixtures for T20 World Cup 2024
“If he is fit on even one leg..’: Sunil Gavaskar’s verdict on Rahul vs Pant debate
Speaking on the Game Plan show of Stars Sport, Gavaskar weighed in on the debate, expressing admiration for Rahul but favouring Pant if the latter is fully fit. The former India skipper emphasized Pant’s game-changing prowess, declaring that if the Uttarakhand-born batter is fit on even one leg, he should be a shoo-in for the T20 World Cup squad.
Gavaskar elaborated on the scenario where Pant might be unavailable, suggesting that if Rahul takes up wicketkeeping duties, it could bring balance to the team.
“I see him (Rahul) as a wicketkeeper as well but I will say one thing before that – if Rishabh Pant is fit on even one leg, he should come in the team because he is a game-changer in every format. If I am the selector, I will put his name first,” said Gavaskar.
“However, if Rishabh Pant is unavailable and KL Rahul keeps wickets, it will be good because the balance will also get created. Then you have the option to play him as an opener or use him in the middle order as a finisher at No. 5 or No. 6,” the former India skipper added.
