IND vs AFG: Not KL Rahul, Sanju Samson! Suresh Raina Names India's First-Choice Wicketkeeper For T20 WC 2024

Former all-rounder Suresh Raina believes that Rishabh Pant will be Team India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. However, Suresh Raina also acknowledged that Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson are contenders for a spot in the squad.

Rishabh Pant was involved in a severe car accident on December 30, 2022. Pant, who suffered multiple injuries, has been out of action in competitive cricket since the incident. He is anticipated to make a comeback during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma made a positive impact with limited opportunities in T20Is. He scored 31 runs off 20 deliveries in India’s six-wicket victory against Afghanistan. Overall, he has scored 100 runs across eight innings with an impressive strike rate of 151.52.

Sanju Samson Can Be A Weapon – Suresh Raina

During a discussion on Colors Cineplex, Suresh Raina noted Jitesh Sharma’s good performances but expressed that Rishabh Pant is likely to be the preferred wicketkeeper for the World Cup. Raina highlighted Sanju Samson’s ability to bat anywhere in the lineup.

“I feel Sanju Samson can be a weapon as he can bat anywhere. Jitesh is also there but I feel Rohit Sharma’s first choice will be Rishabh Pant, depending on what he does in the two months (of the IPL), because he keeps well, and will be making a comeback,” Suresh Raina said.

“Ishan Kishan is another option. Jitesh Sharma is keeping exceptionally well and has done well in batting whenever he has got a chance. However, Sanju Samson brings impact. He plays big knocks. He thinks like a captain and captains the Rajasthan Royals as well. I have great confidence in him,” he added.

Ishan Kishan is another candidate for the wicketkeeper role, but he made himself unavailable for the ongoing T20I series. The selectors will closely monitor performances in IPL 2024, as the World Cup is set to commence shortly after the tournament.

Jitesh Sharma Will Be In The Top Two – Pragyan Ojha

Pragyan Ojha believes that Jitesh Sharma is likely to secure a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The former spinner mentioned that KL Rahul, expected to bat in the middle order during IPL 2024, could also be in contention for the role.

“He will be in the top two. I feel like that considering the way he is being given opportunities. However, there is another name who has been specially requested not to bat at the top but in the middle order, and that is KL Rahul,” Ojha said.

“KL Rahul was asked to bat at No. 5 or No. 6 for his franchise in the IPL and to understand the importance of that place. So he will also be in the coach and captain’s minds, depending on how he performs, because he is also your ODI captain as of now and is keeping in Tests as well. So a lot of faith is being shown in him,” he added.

There are reports indicating that Rahul may take up a position in the middle order for the Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming IPL season. The 31-year-old batted in the middle order and took on the role of wicketkeeper in the Test matches against South Africa.

Also read: IND vs AFG: Suresh Raina Makes Colossal ‘T20 WC Player Of The Tournament’ Prediction For Shivam Dube