File photo of Navjot Singh Sidhu
The competition for the wicketkeeper's spot in the Indian team for the 2024 T20 World Cup is perhaps the fiercest of all the positions. Players like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Sanju Samson have emerged as the top contenders for the spot behind the stumps, and there is no real favourite. Experts and fans continue to disagree on the issue, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee also yet to finalize their No. 1 pick. However, as far as former Indian all-rounder Navjot Singh Sidhu is concerned, it is Samson who is his numero uno choice.
Sidhu, who works as a pundit on Star Sports for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), hailed Samson's emergence and called him a 'different' player than he might have been a year or two ago.
“Number 1 is Sanju Samson, in form. This is a different Samson. If India find themselves in situations where they need a reserve opener or number 4 batsman or are at number 6, then you have KL Rahul, who is also in trouble .” form. But I still prefer Samson, followed by Rishabh Pant, who is coming off an injury. Do you consider him a white ball specialist? Its shape is a bit patchy and scratchy but it has survived the test so far my preferences are these three,” opined Sidhu.
Samson was brilliant with the bat for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 33-ball 71 and earning the player of the match award. After the match, Samson attributed his role behind the stumps as a wicketkeeper as a contributing factor behind his knock.
“I'm very lucky to be behind the wickets. There was some buying with the new ball and then there was a good wicket to bat on. The guys who came in and knocked one over in the powerplay are doing important work. There there was a lot of planning behind the scenes. The beginning and end of the innings were good. We gave away a few in the middle overs.
“We have seen Jurel in Tests. We believe in him. He has batted for an hour and two in the nets at times. We have done very well. We have also been a bit lucky. We have to keep the process going.” It is during the team meetings that we talk about ticking off the processes.
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