IND vs IRE: Rishabh Pant named India's first-choice keeper after Sanju Samson's poor outing in warm-up game by Aakash Chopra

Renowned commentator Aakash Chopra picked the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman in India's playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Aakash Chopra stated that Rishabh Pant has solidified his place as the wicketkeeper-batsman ahead of Sanju Samson for the ICC tournament.

Rishabh Pant scored a half-century during India's warm-up match against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Saturday, June 1. Pant scored 53 runs off 32 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes. Sanju Samson was dismissed for just one run off six deliveries.

The Rohit Sharma-led team posted a total of 182 runs for the loss of five wickets after winning the toss. In response, the Bangladesh team managed to score 122 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Mahmudullah scored 40 runs off 28 balls, while other batters failed to make an impact in the warm-up game.

Rishabh Pant Was The Frontrunner - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Rishabh Pant had outperformed Samson in the recent match. Chopra noted that Pant was initially considered the frontrunner, but his recent performances have further solidified his position.

"They made Sanju open and Pant was sent at No. 3. There is a simple takeaway from that they got a straight shoot-out done, that both are given opportunities and whoever scores runs will be given a place in the XI because it seemed like neither of them had a certain place, although Rishabh Pant was the frontrunner. It seems like Rishabh Pant is not just a frontrunner now," Chopra said.

Rishabh Pant Played After Such A Long Time - Aakash Chopra 

The former India opener praised Rishabh Pant's batting skills and highlighted his impressive ability to hit no-look sixes. Chopra noted that Pant's quick half-century puts him ahead in the race, leaving Samson trailing behind.

"He played after such a long time in the Indian jersey, even though it was a warm-up game. He batted extremely well, hit the left-arm spinner for sixes, and played the no-look shot as well. His half-century came at a good pace. So I think Sanju Samson was left behind and Rishabh Pant is winning that race," Chopra added.

Hardik Pandya Batted Well - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra praised Hardik Pandya for his impressive batting despite recent challenges. Chopra noted that Pandya appeared to be in good form with the bat, even on a pitch that wasn't easy to bat on.

"Hardik Pandya batted well. I am so, so, so happy because nothing good has happened in his life in the last three or four months. The way he was hitting sixes and timing the ball, the pitch wasn't that flat but he looked in good form," Chopra further added.

The cricketer-turned-commentator feels that Hardik Pandya could be pivotal for India in the T20 World Cup if he maintains his current form. Chopra said that fast bowling will be crucial due to sideways movement and uneven bounce.

The 30-year-old all-rounder scored an unbeaten 40 runs off 23 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes. He also managed to take a wicket, but he was a bit expensive, conceding 30 runs in three overs.

Also read: IND vs IRE: Sunil Gavaskar suggests a new opening partner for Rohit Sharma in T20 World Cup 2024