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The biggest debate surrounding Team India’s potential T20 World Cup squad among senior cricketers and pundits revolves around the wicket-keeping position. While Rishabh Pant is certain to be the first-choice wicketkeeper after his exploits in the ongoing IPL 2024 season, the debate is only about the backup position, with the battle to pick Sanju Samson or KL Rahul simmering. However, before the BCCI’s selection committee announced its squad, a fresh report suggested Rahul was out of contention for the second wicket-keeping slot, with the selectors mulling over two new options along with Samson.
Six wicketkeepers are in the race for two potential spots in the 15-member squad India team in the 2024 season IPL Started last month. Jitesh Sharma, who featured in most of India’s matches across the three T20I series they played after the ODI World Cup in November, was the front-runner for the spot after impressing with his finishing skills.
However, the wait for the much-anticipated return remained Pant, he was out of action for 15 months as he recovered from a tragic car accident. Other competitors are included JurelHe had an impressive performance in the Test series against England earlier this year, and Ishan KishanPant was the first choice option in Pant’s absence before the team management expressed their preference for Jitesh.
After 47 matches in IPL 2024, Pant emerged as a surety for the selectors, while the likes of Jurel and Jitesh were left out of the reckoning due to their poor form in the tournament. This suggests that the battle for the second wicketkeeping position is on the downswing Samson against Rahul.
Watch: How Kohli mastered his strike rate in IPL 2024 | watch
According to a report in the Indian Express, Rahul is unlikely to be considered for the role as the selectors are unwilling to accommodate another top-order batsman in a squad that already includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Yashav Jaiswal. And this season for Rajasthan Royals at no. It could be the same for Samson who batted at 3.
The RR skipper has had his best IPL season so far in terms of performances, scoring 385 runs at a strike rate of 161. His presence in the middle order will benefit India, given his performance against spin. In T20 cricket. However, selectors no. The report explains that they are looking for special options for 5, 6 and 7, which is why the likes of Jitesh and Jurel are back in contention for a place in the World Cup squad.
In nine matches for the Punjab Kings, Jitesh has scored just 128 runs at a strike rate of 125.49, while Jurel has scored 102 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 134.21, though this includes a match-winning knock of 52* under pressure at RR. Previous match vs Lucknow Super Giants.
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