NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has thrown his weight behind Sanju Samson, tipping him as the preferred choice over KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper role in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad.
Following an electrifying clash between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, where both Samson and Rahul showcased their batting prowess, Sidhu expressed his views on the wicketkeeper selection dilemma in a conversation with Star Sports.
With Sanju Samson's breathtaking unbeaten 71 off 33 balls stealing the spotlight and KL Rahul's impressive 76 off 48 balls underlining his versatility, the competition for the wicket-keeper position has intensified. However, Sidhu emphasized Samson's exceptional form as the decisive factor in the selection process.
"No. 1 is Sanju Samson, on form. This is a different Samson," Sidhu declared, recognizing the Rajasthan Royals captain's scintillating performance in the IPL.
While acknowledging KL Rahul's ability to offer flexibility with his batting, Sidhu reiterated his preference for Samson, citing his current form as a compelling reason for his inclusion in the squad.
"If India finds themselves in situations where they need a spare opener or No. 4 batter or at No. 6, then you have KL Rahul, who is also in form. But I will still prefer Samson, followed by Rishabh Pant," Sidhu elaborated.
Furthermore, Sidhu extended his considerations to Ishan Kishan, the Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper, suggesting that had the BCCI not penalized him for skipping domestic games during his absence from international duty, he would have been a strong contender for the wicketkeeper role.
1/10:Rajasthan beat Lucknow to near playoffs
ANI
2/10:Royals beat Giants
<p>Skipper Sanju Samson hit an unbeaten 71 as Rajasthan Royals all but confirmed their playoff spot with a seven-wicket hammering of Lucknow Super Giants. </p>AFP
3/10:115-run stand
<p>Hosts Lucknow posted 196-5 courtesy a 76 by skipper KL Rahul and his 115-run stand with Deepak Hooda, who made 50. </p>AFP
4/10:Sandeep Sharma
<p>Lucknow lost two early wickets after Trent Boult bowled Quinton de Kock for 8 and Sandeep Sharma bowled Marcus Stoinis for a duck. </p>AP
5/10:Solid footing
<p>Rahul and Hooda gave LSG a solid footing with a 62-ball 115-run stand for the third wicket after the early blows. </p>AFP
6/10:Rahul and Hooda
<p>Rahul and Hooda steadied the innings and then hit back but the effort was not enough. </p>TNN
7/10:Royals win
<p>Dhruv Jurel, who hit 52, and Samson steered table-toppers Rajasthan home with one over to spare for their eighth win in nine matches. </p>AP
8/10:Brisk start
<p>Samson and Jurel came together after the Royals had stumbled from a brisk start to hand the advantage to the home side. </p>AFP
9/10:Match-winning stand
<p>Samson and Jurel put on a robust stand of 121 runs in just 62 balls stand for the unconquered fourth wicket to take their side over the line. </p>PTI
10/10:Table toppers
<p>The win took top-placed Rajasthan to 16 points — six clear from the second-best KKR — and a step closer to become the first team to reach the playoffs. </p>AFPAs the anticipation mounts ahead of the T20 World Cup squad announcement, Sidhu's insights underscore the significance of form and performance in shaping the final lineup, with Sanju Samson emerging as the frontrunner in the battle for the wicketkeeper position.
