Rishabh Pant To Be Part Of India Playing XI In The ICC T20 World Cup 2024? Check Details

As the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 draws near, the debate over who should don the gloves for India intensifies, with Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant emerging as frontrunners for the coveted role. Notably, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind the left-handed Pant, advocating for his inclusion in the Men in Blue's lineup ahead of the prestigious tournament set to unfold in the Caribbean and the USA. While Pant was long viewed as the heir apparent to MS Dhoni across all formats, his unfortunate sidelining due to a car accident in 2022 opened the door for Samson to stake his claim. The Rajasthan Royals' skipper showcased his prowess with a scintillating ODI century against South Africa earlier in the year and has been in stellar form throughout the ongoing IPL season, amassing an impressive 504 runs in 14 matches.

Despite Samson's recent exploits and undeniable talent, Yuvraj Singh believes that Pant's left-handed presence in the middle-order would provide the Indian team with a strategic advantage. Pant's aggressive batting style and ability to counterattack under pressure have earned him accolades, making him a formidable asset in crucial moments of the game. As the selectors deliberate on the final composition of the squad, the question of who will don the wicketkeeping gloves remains unresolved, adding an intriguing subplot to India's preparations for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup campaign.

“I would probably go for Rishabh. Obviously, Sanju is also in great form, but Rishabh (is a) left-hander, and I believe that Rishabh has massive potential to win games for India, which he has done in the past. Lot more in Test cricket, and he's someone who I feel can be a match-winner on the big stage,” said former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh in a conversation with ICC. 

The veteran cricketer, a pivotal member of the victorious 2007 World Twenty20 squad, underscores the strategic advantage of left-right batting combinations, emphasizing the challenge they pose to bowlers. Yuvraj Singh extends his support to the opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, advocating for Virat Kohli's presence at No.3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at No.4, to optimize the team's batting lineup for the upcoming World Cup.

Singh, at 42, also expresses satisfaction at Yuzvendra Chahal's inclusion in the World Cup squad, highlighting the leg-spinner's remarkable resurgence after being overlooked previously. Chahal's stellar performances in the IPL, where he has claimed 17 wickets in 13 matches, further validate his credentials for the global tournament.