Pant vs Samson vs Ishan: Gilchrist's Clear Wicket-Keeper Pick For T20 WC

The T20 World Cup 2024 is just round the corner and questions still remain over the wicket-keeper choices for the Indian cricket team. While KL Rahul is almost certain to find a place in the 15-member squad, there are several options when it comes to the second choice for the role. Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are all prominent options for the team management with youngster Jitesh Sharma impressing in the past year as well. However, legendary Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist believes that there is one clear choice for the selectors while selecting the T20 World Cup squad.

“I expect Rishabh Pant to be there definitely. And I would take Sanju Samson as well. Kishan is pushing a very good case, no doubt about that. But I think Rishabh Pant, if he is not locked in, he should be locked in,” Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz.

Pant made a strong case for himself with a 24-ball-41 for Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2024 victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Friday. The IPL 2024 was the first tournament that Pant played in since his near-fatal accident back in 2022 and his form has been quite encouraging for Indian cricket team fans.

Pant has scored 194 runs in six matches till now with a solid economy rate of 157.72.

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan is currently the highest run-scorer for Mumbai Indians while Sanju Samson has been enjoying a tremendous run of form for Rajasthan Royals. Sanju has already scored 246 runs in 6 matches with 3 half-centuries while Kishan has scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 182.95.

On the other hand, Jitesh has not received much chance to show off batting skills and on occasions when he did get the opportunity, the youngster failed to impress. The right-hander has scored just 77 runs in five matches and his strike rate of 135.08 has left a lot to be desired.