NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir weighed in on the debate surrounding India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the upcoming T20 World Cup, asserting his preference for Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson. Gambhir provided two key reasons behind his selection.
Gambhir highlighted the differing batting positions of Pant and Samson in the Indian Premier League as a crucial factor in his decision-making process.
“While Pant has batted in the middle order in IPL, Sanju has batted in the top order,” he told Sportskeeda, emphasizing the need for Pant’s presence in the middle order given India’s established top three of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli.Additionally, Gambhir underscored Pant’s left-handed batting style as a valuable asset that could bring variety to India’s middle-order composition.
“Pant being a left-hander batter can bring variety to the team’s middle order,” Gambhir remarked, advocating for the strategic advantage of a left-hand-right-hand combination.
Acknowledging the quality possessed by both Pant and Samson, Gambhir reiterated his preference for Pant as the natural middle-order batsman suited to the team’s requirements.
“Looking at Team India’s combination, we need the wicketkeeper in that position and not in the top order,” he affirmed.
Gambhir highlighted the differing batting positions of Pant and Samson in the Indian Premier League as a crucial factor in his decision-making process.
“While Pant has batted in the middle order in IPL, Sanju has batted in the top order,” he told Sportskeeda, emphasizing the need for Pant’s presence in the middle order given India’s established top three of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli.Additionally, Gambhir underscored Pant’s left-handed batting style as a valuable asset that could bring variety to India’s middle-order composition.
“Pant being a left-hander batter can bring variety to the team’s middle order,” Gambhir remarked, advocating for the strategic advantage of a left-hand-right-hand combination.
Acknowledging the quality possessed by both Pant and Samson, Gambhir reiterated his preference for Pant as the natural middle-order batsman suited to the team’s requirements.
“Looking at Team India’s combination, we need the wicketkeeper in that position and not in the top order,” he affirmed.
However, Gambhir also suggested that if the team management deemed Samson more suitable for the finisher’s role, they could opt for him in the playing XI.
“But again, if they see that Sanju can score more runs at number six or seven, they could go with him as well,” Gambhir added, acknowledging the flexibility in selection based on match situations.
Gambhir emphasized the importance of backing whichever player is chosen for the role, urging the team management and fans alike to support and nurture the selected wicketkeeper.
“Whoever plays, I think we should back that player,” he concluded, advocating for patience and encouragement rather than undue criticism in the event of a player’s temporary dip in form.
