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As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, scheduled to unfold in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) from June 1, the ongoing 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) emerged as a pivotal platform for resolving the wicketkeeping dilemma for Team India. With the tournament taking place a few months before the marquee event, it provided a prime opportunity for wicketkeepers to showcase their skills, both behind the stumps and with the bat.
The significance of IPL 2024 in India’s T20 world cup preparation
The IPL’s high-stakes environment is renowned for serving as a litmus test, and this time it could aid selectors in making informed decisions about the final spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Wicketkeepers vying for the coveted position would be under intense scrutiny, and their performances in the IPL could be the deciding factor in the selection process, bringing clarity to India’s wicketkeeping conundrum.
Also READ: West Indies legend Darren Sammy predicts the winner of the T20 World Cup 2024
Brian Lara names two prime candidates
During a media appearance at the Star Sports Press Room show, West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara, was tasked with identifying the frontrunner for the wicketkeeper-batter spot among five contenders – Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma and KL Rahul.
Evaluating the players’ performances in the first 22 matches of IPL 2024 . Lara advocated for the inclusion of Samson and Pant, citing their outstanding batting displays. He lauded Samson’s remarkable skills, particularly his exceptional timing, while acknowledging Pant’s consistent performance for the Indian team over the years. Despite Pant’s recovery from a setback, Lara noted his excellent form and firmly believed that these two individuals are undoubtedly the leading candidates for the position.
“I believe both players should be included. They have displayed outstanding batting performances thus far. Sanju Samson is a remarkable player, known for his exceptional timing. Rishabh Pant has been a consistent performer for India over the years. Despite his recovery from the incident, he has exhibited excellent form. In my opinion, these two individuals are unquestionably the frontrunners for the position,” Lara said.
