As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the fervor to claim spots on India’s final 15-man squad intensifies. The current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season serves as a critical arena for aspirants aiming to display their skills. A significant area of intrigue is who will secure the wicket-keeping position for the Men in Blue. This article delves into the profiles of the leading contenders.
Rishabh Pant’s comeback story is nothing short of cinematic. After a severe accident at the end of 2022 which sidelined him for over a year, Pant has returned with remarkable vigor. Currently captaining the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024, his performance speaks volumes — 210 runs across seven matches at an impressive average of 35 and a strike rate of 156.72, including two dynamic fifties. Despite his less flattering T20 International (T20I) average of 22.43 and a strike rate of 126.37, Pant’s recent form makes a compelling case for his inclusion as India’s primary wicket-keeper in the upcoming World Cup.
While Pant makes his return, Sanju Samson continues to highlight his explosive batting prowess. Although his T20I statistics with the national team might not dazzle, amassing 374 runs in 25 games with an average of 18.70, his IPL performance tells a different tale. Currently ranking fourth on the IPL 2024 Orange Cap list, Samson has scored 276 runs in seven matches, including three half-centuries and a best of 82 not out. With an average of 55.20 and a strike rate of 155.06 this season, Samson emerges as a formidable contender for the wicket-keeping slot.
Ishan Kishan, another strong candidate, has re-established his credentials following a hiatus. Last playing a T20I for India in November 2023, Kishan has accumulated 796 runs in 32 T20Is at an average of 25.67. In IPL 2024, he has been a key player for the Mumbai Indians, contributing 184 runs in six matches, with a high score of 69. His current strike rate stands at 172.97, strengthening his case for inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.
KL Rahul, a talented player with substantial international experience, is considered a dark horse in this race. His last appearance for India was in November 2022, and he boasts commendable T20I statistics — scoring 2,265 runs in 72 matches at an average of 37.75. However, to claim a spot in the World Cup squad, he needs a significant boost in his performance in the second half of IPL 2024, where he has till now scored 204 runs in six games.
The selectors have a challenging decision ahead. Pant’s resilience and explosive return, Samson’s consistency and compelling IPL form, Kishan’s strategic prowess and contributions, and Rahul’s potential resurgence set the stage for a tightly contested race for the wicket-keeper’s position.
As anticipation builds for the T20 World Cup, these performances in the IPL will play a critical role in determining who will don the gloves for India in one of cricket’s biggest stages. Fans and selectors alike will keenly watch the remainder of the IPL season, as each game could pivot the career trajectory of these talented cricketers. With so much at stake, the excitement around this contest is palpable, foreshadowing intense discussions and debates about the best fit for India’s wicket-keeping role in the impending marquee tournament.