Pant, Samson and Kishan snubbed as Ravi Shastri reveals his pick for India's wicketkeeper for T20 World Cup

The race for the wicketkeeper's spot in the Indian team for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup is heating up. The preliminary squad for the marquee event is set to be announced soon and there is still very little clarity over who would don the wicketkeeping gloves.

Wicketkeeper contenders for ICC T20 World Cup:

At present, several candidates are in the race to become India's wicketkeeper in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Rishabh Pant is reportedly leading the race with his performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024). However, he is facing stiff challenge from several other players.

The likes of Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson as well as KL Rahul are also in the race. Not only them, veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has also thrown his hat in the ring and has already expressed his desire of playing the T20 World Cup. Jitesh Sharma was also tried out as a wicketkeeper in T20Is although he is unlikely to make it to the World Cup squad after his poor run in the ongoing IPL 2024.

Ravi Shastri reveals his pick:

While only time will tell who keeps the wicket for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, former India head coach Ravi Shastri might have revealed his pick. The former India allrounder, on Sunday (April 28), took to X (formerly Twitter) to heap praise on another wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Shastri stated that Jurel is a gem for Indian cricket not only for the future but the present as well.

"This Jurel is a Jewel for Indian cricket. Right now and going ahead into the future. Serious Dude," wrote Ravi Shastri.

This Jurel is a Jewel for Indian cricket. Right now and going ahead into the future. Serious Dude. @dhruvjurel21 @IPL #LSGvsRR #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/s5wtonE88L

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 28, 2024

Ravi Shastri's comments came after Dhruv Jurel scored a match-winning half-century for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday (April 27). Chasing 197, the Royals were reeling at 78 for 3 before Jurel and captain Sanju Samson joined hands to take their team home by scoring unbeaten half-centuries.

Jurel is yet to play a T20I for India but has already made his Test debut. He hit the ground running in international cricket and impressed one and all with his attitude and composure during the five-match Test series against England earlier this year. He impressed with the bat as well as wicketkeeping.