📷 Image Credits: NDTV Sports
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on India’s wicketkeeping dilemma ahead of the T20 World Cup, endorsing Rishabh Pant as the preferred choice over Sanju Samson. Gavaskar expressed his views on the team’s playing combination for the tournament, specifically in the wicketkeeping department. India’s squad for the World Cup includes both Pant and Samson, creating a debate about who should don the gloves.
Gavaskar highlighted Pant’s superior glovework, stating that the young keeper should secure his spot in the team based on his wicketkeeping abilities. He emphasized that while Samson had a strong start in the IPL, Pant’s recent form with both the bat and behind the stumps gives him the edge. The former captain noted that despite Samson’s initial success in the IPL, his performance waned towards the end of the tournament.
In a recent warm-up game against Bangladesh, both Pant and Samson were given the opportunity to showcase their skills. While Samson struggled with the bat, scoring just one run, Pant impressed with a quickfire 53 off 32 balls. Gavaskar’s endorsement of Pant as the team’s primary wicketkeeper stems from his consistent performance in recent matches.
Reflecting on the warm-up fixture, Gavaskar predicted that Pant will likely feature in India’s starting XI for their opening match against Ireland. He cited Pant’s impactful innings against Bangladesh as a strong indicator of his form and ability to deliver under pressure. Gavaskar’s analysis underlines the importance of a balanced playing combination, considering both wicketkeeping skills and batting prowess.
With the T20 World Cup set to kick off, all eyes will be on Pant as he looks to solidify his position in the team. Gavaskar’s insights into the wicketkeeper debate provide valuable context for India’s selection strategy going into the tournament. As the excitement builds for the World Cup action, the spotlight will be on Pant to deliver stellar performances with both the bat and the gloves, proving Gavaskar’s endorsement right.
