Rishabh Pant vs Sanju Samson: Gautam Gambhir Reveals His T20 World Cup 2024 Wicket-Keeper Pick
The race for the wicket-keeper between Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson for the T20 World Cup 2024 team of India has been underway after both made it to the 15-member proper side. Pant and Samson had a memorable season from the bat in the Indian Premier League 2024, resulting in both being recruited. However, given Pant’s strong performance, only one will be selected in the playing XI due to the importance of having a front-line batter behind the stumps, according to Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders’ current mentor.
Gautam Gambhir’s Opinion on Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson
Discussing the positions and strengths of the players, Gambhir said, “Pant has been batting in the middle order and most of the time in IPL, whereas Sanju has been batting top. That is why the left-handed batting when you need a left-hander – he gives you that balance with Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli. The people who have gun captains like them.”.
Why Pant Could Have the Edge
Indeed, as a left-handed batsman, Pant offers variety to a middle order that is mostly made up of right-handed batsmen and this is a huge advantage for Team India. Gambhir notes that Pant’s natural competence with the bat in the middle order makes him an attractive choice for wicket-keeper.
Sanju Samson’s Consistency
In contrast, Sanju Samson has done well with the bat for Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing season. He has secured 486 runs in the 12 matches he has played so far and is followed by Pant with 446 runs in 13 matches for Delhi Capitals. The skipper mentioned Samson and stated that if a bat is the determining factor then Samson can be opted for:
Team India’s Need for a Middle-Order Wicket-Keeper
Gambhir also underlined the significance of the utilization of a wicketkeeper who can score a lot in the middle order. According to him, “With the combination and balance of this Indian team, this is where we need the wicketkeeper and not in the top order”. As a consequence, it works in favor of Pant, who used to succeed in the middle order while playing the IPL.
Potential for Samson in Lower Order
However, Gambhir also said that if the team management believes that more runs can be scored by Samson batting at number six or seven, then they can go ahead with him. He pointed out that both the players have different kinds of strength and said the final decision would be made depending upon what the team needs for their strategy as a whole.
Backing the Chosen Player
Gambhir signed off by saying, “Whoever plays, I think we should back that player.” He stressed the point that the chosen player, whether it is Pant or Samson, should be supported to get the best out of Team India for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Performance Comparison: IPL 2024 Stats
Now, let’s see how they have fared in IPL 2024 so far, which is making the decision very tough. Among the batters, Sanju Samson has been top-class. So far, he has scored 486 runs from 12 matches at an average of 40.5 runs per match. His best this season is 91 not out, showing his capability of making a big inning in pressure situations. In contrast, Rishabh Pant has scored 446 runs from 13 matches at an average of 34.3 runs per game. His best this season is 82 not out. Pant has played some very key innings for DC, and a lot of them came in the middle overs when his typically aggressive style of batting almost changed the course of these games.
Role in the Team: Middle Order vs Top Order
The pressure on Pant to deliver is immense. “His left-handed batting brings tactical advantage to the side, as bowlers find it tough to get into a rhythm. This variety is something that Gambhir feels is important for the team balance. Samson has been primarily a top-order batsman and has also shown he has the capability of playing lower down the order.”. His flexibility may be useful if the team requires somebody to anchor the innings in the final stages or needs quick runs.
Strategic Importance of the Decision
The choice between Pant and Samson is not just about the latter’s individual performance but also about the overall team strategy. The team management will have to consider various factors, including the opposition, match conditions, and the specific roles each player can fulfill.
Support from Fans and Cricket Experts
This has also been a heated debate among the fans and cricket experts about who should be in the playing XI. While many have backed Samson for his consistency and leadership at RR, there is a separate breed of fans for Pant’s aggressive style and left-handed advantage.
Conclusion: A Tough Decision Ahead
As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the decision on whether Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson should be India’s wicket-keeper will be crucial. Both the players have excelled in the past in the IPL, and their unique strengths will make the final choice a hard one for the selectors. Gautam Gambhir’s words bring to light the complexities involved with such a selection, underlining the importance that whoever is selected must have backing in order to succeed in the blue colors of India.
