ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Ishan, Pant And Rahul Snubbed As Suresh Raina Names Preferred Wicketkeeper For WC

Former batsman Suresh Raina has said that Sanju Samson cannot be ruled out of the race to make it to the India squad as a wicketkeeper for this year’s T20 World Cup.

The former cricketer has also said that the wicketkeeper’s post is currently the toughest position in the Indian team as several candidates are in contention to bag the role. With Rishabh Pant sidelined and unlikely to play in the T20 World Cup, the likes of Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, and KL Rahul were seen as the frontrunners.

And Sanju Samson has also joined the race after being named in India’s squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. While only time will tell who wins the race, Suresh Raina has put his weight behind Sanju Samson, saying that the Kerala star cannot be written off after his century during the ODI series in South Africa last month.

Tough competition for wicketkeeping: Suresh Raina:

Speaking on JioCinema, Suresh Raina began by saying that there is tough competition for the wicketkeeper’s post before throwing his support behind Samson. The former India batting star hailed the Rajasthan Royals captain as a fearless batter and a good wicketkeeper. He also said that he would like to see Samson bat in the middle overs for India.

“I feel there will be tough competition for the wicketkeeping slot. Rishabh Pant will become fit, KL Rahul will return, Samson and Jitesh are already there, Ishan Kishan is also there. That position will become very important,” Suresh Raina said on JioCinema.

“You cannot write off Samson after the hundred he scored in the ODI match against South Africa. He is a fearless batter, a good wicketkeeper and a captaincy material. He has always performed every time he is given an opportunity. Then there is Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan.

There will be a big call. But I would prefer Samson because in the middle overs, he plays excellent pick-up shots. I guess IPL will also play a crucial role in the selection process but the Afghanistan series would be a big opportunity for him. He could be the X-factor for India in the World Cup,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ICC has announced the schedule and the group for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and the USA are in one group. The Men in Blue will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5 before taking on Pakistan on June 9.