No Place For Rahul, Pant. Ex Australia Star Picks This Keeper For T20 WC

The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is going as per the expectations of the fans. Team Rajasthan Royals have utterly impressed everyone with their brilliant performance in the first four games they have played. The 2008 champions are yet to face a defeat in the ongoing season and are currently holding the top spot in the points table. This IPL is also a crucial one as it will be followed by the much-awaited T20 World Cup, which will kick-start on June 2, co-hosted by the United States and West Indies. 

Numerous debates and discussions are going on regarding the Indian squad for the showpiece event and a major focus is on the role of the wicketkeeper. 

The selectors have to make a tough choice between Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeper's job. However, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg stated that Samson would be the perfect choice for India as he has delivered breakthrough performances in the IPL. 

"I think it's going to be Sanju Samson. He has been consistent for the last couple of years. You want people with higher strike rates. Samson has been carrying Rajasthan Royals by being a captain, with his bat upfront, and he has done it consistently. Now, it's time for the Indian selectors to back him for the T20 format for a longer period of time. So for me, it will Samson for the wicketkeeper's role in the Indian team," Brad Hogg told NDTV on his YouTube channel live video. 

In the four games so far, Samson has scored 178 runs with two half-centuries and a strike rate of 150.85. On the other hand, Pant, who made comeback for Delhi Capitals after battling through his injury, has put up a great show but also registered some low scores. 

Hogg stated that Samson can bat in a variety of positions and can also pose a challenge in front of Virat Kohli, if they both are fighting for the No 3 spot. 

"Rishabh Pant, he has got some fifties in this particular tournament but he needs to show some more consistency. I think Samson can bat in a variety of positions but at No 3, he is the perfect choice as a keeper-batter. I will definitely put Samson in front of KL Rahul and Pant and I think he is also putting pressure on Virat Kohli, if Kohli is going batting at No 3 in the T20 World Cup," said Hogg. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Virat Kohli is currently the highest run-scorer of the tournament with 316 runs in five matches. He also scored a century against RR off 67 balls but critcised for his low strike-rate as RCB ended up on the losing side by six wickets.

Samson-led RR will now be squaring off against Gujarat Titans in their next IPL 2024 match on Wednesday in Jaipur.