The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner. The tournament is scheduled in the month of June just after the conclusion of Indian Premier League. India will be eyeing for the trophy in order to netutralize the loss faced by them in the final of ODI World cup 2023. Being the selectors of Indian Cricket Team is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. With plenty of talented youngsters and experienced players available, it is always a tough task for the selection committee to select the squad for ICC tournaments. This time the most awaiting place in Indian squad is of wicket-keeper. The race for wicket-keeping spot has ignited since the start of IPL. Let’s see who will be the Wicket-Keeper for India in T20 World Cup 2024.
With the T20 World Cup 2024 just around the corner, the quest to find India’s best wicket-keeper has reached its peak. The team management has an important decision to make, as they need to pick a player who can not only excel behind the stumps but also contribute with the bat.
The position of wicket-keeper is very vital in any squad, whether be it Test, ODI or T20. Since the retirement of MS Dhoni in 2019, the Indian wicketkeeper’s slot has been the most heated one. There was a time when Rishabh Pant confirmed his place in that spot but after his car accident injury, the spot was vacant again. Since January 2023, Indian Cricket Team have tried a number of players behind the stumps. These include Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.
The selection of Indian squad for T20 World Cup 2024 will largely depend on the performance of players in IPL. Let us look at the contenders for the wicket-keeper’s slot.
Top contenders for India’s wicketkeeper at T20 World Cup 2024
1. Rishabh Pant
After suffering a devastating injury, Rishabh Pant has recovered and made his comeback to cricket at the right time. There was slight contention whether Pant would be fit for T20 World Cup in time. However, he has responded well to his critics with his bat and gloves in IPL. Rishabh Pant burst onto the international scene with his explosive batting and fearless approach. He has shown tremendous growth as a wicketkeeper since his debut and has become a reliable option behind the stumps. Pant’s ability to score quick runs and his fearless approach make him a valuable asset in the T20 format. However, his tendency to be inconsistent with the gloves and occasional lapses in concentration can be a concern.
2. Sanju Samson
If we talk from the perspective of fans then Sanju Samson leads the chart to keep the gloves for Indian Cricket Team in upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. There was a time when Samson was the perfect player to inherit the legacy of MS Dhoni behind the stumps. However, despite a number of chances, Samson failed to impress at the international level. Sanju Samson is a highly talented wicketkeeper-batsman who has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket. He is known for his stylish stroke play and ability to clear the boundaries. Samson’s agility behind the stumps and his potential to score big runs make him a strong contender. However, his inconsistency in converting starts into big scores and occasional lapses in concentration can be areas of improvement.
3. KL Rahul
KL Rahul is another strong contender for the wicketkeeper position in the T20 World Cup. Known for his elegant stroke play, Rahul has also displayed his wicketkeeping skills in recent times. In 2023 ODI World Cup, KL Rahul kept the gloves for Indian team. It is true that KL Rahul is somewhere behind the likes of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson when it comes to T20Is. But cannot ignore the experience and stats of KL while playing in ICC tournaments. Rahul properly donned the gloves when he became the captain of Kings XI Punjab. After that, selectors decided to play him as a wicket-keeper batsman in ODIs. He has proven to be a versatile player, adapting to different roles in the team. Rahul’s ability to open the innings or play in the middle order gives him an added advantage. However, his lack of experience as a full-time wicketkeeper and slow strike rate can be a point of consideration.
4. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan was the captain of India’s U-19 World Cup 2016 edition. Since that tournament, the young lad has came a long way and earned recognition for himself in international cricket. Ishan Kishan made a significant impact with his explosive batting in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite being relatively new to international cricket, Kishan has shown great promise as a wicketkeeper-batsman. His ability to score at a rapid pace and his fearless approach make him a dangerous player in the T20 format. There was a time when Ishan had cemented his place in the white-ball squads of Indian Team. Ishan has already represented India in a number of T20 Internationals but was not able to impress. However, just a few months back, BCCI has removed Ishan Kishan from central contract. The reasons have not been disclosed yet. Ishan is a destructive player who definitely has the potential to earn a place in Indian squad for T20 World Cup 2024.
5. Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh came in the list of wicket-keeping contenders after performing well for Punjab Kings in IPL. He delivered some quickfire innings down the order which is one of the main characteristics of a wicket-keeper batsman. and neat glove work. He also came to the fore with his performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Jitesh was included in the Indian squad for Asian Games where he made his international debut. Since then, he regularly got the chances to play in the T20Is. Jitesh has a confident approach to his batting and the required skill set for T20 format. All these features makes him a contender for the wicket-keeper spot in Indian T20 World Cup squad.
Each of the contenders brings their own set of skills and strengths to the table. Rishabh Pant’s explosive batting and improved wicket-keeping make him a strong candidate, but consistency remains a concern. KL Rahul’s versatility and elegant stroke play make him a reliable option, but his lack of experience as a full-time wicket-keeper can be a factor. Sanju Samson’s potential to score big runs and agility behind the stumps make him a promising contender, but consistency and concentration need improvement. Ishan Kishan’s explosive batting and fearless approach make him a dangerous player, but his technique behind the stumps and struggles against quality spin bowling need work.
Considering all factors, Rishabh Pant seems to be the front-runner for India’s wicket-keeper position in the T20 World Cup 2024. His ability to score quick runs and provide flexibility in the batting order, combined with his improved wicket-keeping skills, give him the edge over the other contenders. Based on current form and performances, Rishabh Pant seems to be the best choice for India’s wicket-keeper position in the T20 World Cup 2024. His explosive batting, improved wicket-keeping skills, and ability to handle pressure situations make him a valuable asset in the team.
