In a recent IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rohit Sharma was caught on the stump mic playfully teasing Dinesh Karthik. Rohit’s quip, “Dimaag mein chal raha hai World Cup (World Cup is on his mind),” added fuel to the speculation around T20 World Cup selections. This banter wasn’t just about Karthik; it shed light on the intense competition among wicketkeepers eyeing a spot in the upcoming tournament.
Understanding the significance of Rohit’s comment is crucial. The T20 World Cup 2024 squad selection, scheduled for the last week of April, presents a formidable challenge for selectors. Choosing two wicketkeepers for the trip to the USA and the Caribbean islands is particularly daunting. With the likes of Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik in contention, the competition is fierce.
In the T20I series against Afghanistan in January, selectors experimented with Jitesh and Sanju in the squad. However, neither performed convincingly in those three matches. Jitesh managed 31 runs in two matches, while Samson struggled, scoring a duck in his lone outing. So, who deserves a ticket to the T20 World Cup?
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan weighed in on the discussion, highlighting Pant’s resurgence as the front-runner if fit. Despite a career-threatening injury, Pant’s stellar performances for Delhi Capitals in the IPL have catapulted him to the top of the pecking order. His ability to win matches and adapt to various middle-order positions makes him a strong contender for the squad.
However, Jitesh, once considered a frontrunner, has seen his stocks decline since the start of IPL 2024. Despite a reasonable performance for the Indian team, his form in IPL 2024 has been underwhelming. Yet, coach Rahul Dravid’s tendency to back players during rough patches could keep Jitesh in contention.
Ishan Kishan has also made a strong case for himself, bouncing back from a rough patch before IPL 2024. His explosive performances for Mumbai Indians have bolstered his chances, although his susceptibility against spin remains a concern.
Sanju Samson, known for his timely contributions, has three fifties in six IPL games, making a strong case for his inclusion. However, his tendency to start strong and then fade gradually could affect his chances unless he maintains consistency throughout the campaign.
KL Rahul, despite his past exploits, faces an uphill battle due to his lackluster performance in IPL 2024 and his absence from the T20I setup for over 500 days. Dinesh Karthik, though impactful for RCB, might not find favor with selectors due to his disappointing showing in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
India’s wicketkeeping dilemma presents a compelling subplot in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2024. The final selection will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, and the chosen wicketkeepers will have the weight of expectations on their shoulders throughout the tournament.
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