T20 WC 2024: Ajit Agarkar prefers KL Rahul over Sanju Samson; Hardik Pandya's form leaves selectors worried

KL Rahul is likely to get a nod ahead of Sanju Samson in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) star yet again has to wait for his chance and is expected to the standby for the team in the tournament. 

The wicket-keeper spot in the Indian team in the T20 World Cup 2024 has been keeping everyone excited. There have been many players putting their hand up for the role. However, as per the reports Rishabh Pant has been finalized as the first-choice keeper in the team for the event. 

The Delhi Capitals skipper has shown great form in the IPL 2024 and is the third-leading run-getter in the tournament with 342 runs to his name. His best came in the team's last game against Gujarat Titans, where he slammed unbeaten 88 runs and took his team home at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. 

While Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, the competition for the second keeper in the team stays between KL Rahul and Sanju Samson in the team. It is learned that the Lucknow Super Giants skipper might get the nod ahead of the Rajasthan Royals skipper. 

Both Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have batted tremendously well in the ongoing IPL 2024. While the LSG skipper has scored 302 runs at a strike rate of 141, Samson has mustered 314 runs at a strike rate of 152. The final decision will be taken when skipper Rohit Sharma meets the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar in Delhi.

The reports claimed that there was also a competition between Avesh Khan, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi for the 6th bowler in the team. The selectors are keeping in mind the slow pitches in the Carribean and will be taking the decision. 

One of them will be joining Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. The BCCI is keen to add an extra bowler to the team because barring Bumrah and Kuldeep, the form of other bowlers isn't great and they want a cover for them. 

Hardik Pandya to be selected for T20 World Cup 2024 despite poor form - Reports 

The reports also claimed that Hardik Pandya is expected to be selected for the team for T20 World Cup 2024. This is because BCCI selectors don't have any alternative in his place and despite his form being poor, he is likely to board the plane to the USA. Howver, his form has left selectors worried.

Hardik Pandya has looked in poor form with both bat and ball in the IPL 2024. The all-rounder has bowled a total of 17 overs and hasn't been able to fire with the bat. Selectors feel that although Shivam Dube has been exceptional with the bat in the IPL 2024, the CSK all-rounder is nowhere close to Hardik in terms of bowling. 

The reports claimed that both Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube were expected to board the flight to the USA. With the deadline to announce the squad for the World Cup being on 1st May, BCCI will likely be announcing the squad between the end of this week and the beginning of next week.