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As the T20 World Cup 2024 draws near, the question on every cricket enthusiast’s mind is: Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant? Both dynamic wicketkeeper-batsmen have showcased their prowess on the pitch, igniting debates among fans and pundits alike. Now, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has stepped into the fray, shedding light on his preferred choice for India’s playing XI.
Gambhir Gambhir picks his choice of Indian wicket-keeper at the T20 World Cup 2024
In a recent interview, Gambhir, known for his astute cricketing insights, weighed the merits of both Samson and Pant.
“Both have equal quality. Sanju has amazing quality, and even Rishabh has amazing quality. If I had to pick, I’d probably pick Rishabh Pant because he is a natural middle-order batter. Sanju, if you see in IPL, he has batted at number three. Rishabh has batted at number five, six and seven I think,” Gambhir said while taking to Sportskeeda.
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“Looking at Team India’s combination, we need the wicketkeeper in that position and not in the top order. So I’d start with Rishabh Pant. Plus, he is a left-hander in the middle-order, which gives you a left hand-right hand combination,” he added.
The ex-India opener also put forward the suggestion that if the team management has considered Samson better suited for the finisher’s role, they could select him in the playing XI.
“But again, if they see that Sanju can score more runs at number six or seven, they could go with him as well.”
Both Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant in India’s playing XI?
When asked if the Indian team would pick both these players in the playing XI at T20 WC 2024, Gambhir said: “I don’t think so. I think only one out of those two will play, and whoever plays, the team management should back him. If Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson do not perform in one or two matches, do not criticize them or say that replace them. Whoever plays, I think we should back that player.”
The multi-team ICC event is schedule to take place in the USA and the West Indies from June 1 to June 29. However, India will begin their campaign against Ireland on June 5.
