Harbhajan Singh Backs Sanju Samson for India's T20 World Cup Wicket-Keeping Role

The Indian cricket team's wicket-keeping conundrum for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has been resolved, with the selectors opting for specialist wicket-keeper batters Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. However, with the team's composition, it's likely that only one of them will make the playing XI.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh weighed in on the selection, expressing his admiration for Pant's return from a near-fatal car accident. However, he ultimately chose Samson as his pick due to his exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2024.

"Rishabh Pant played well in the IPL. He has come out of his injuries. He looked fit, batted well, and did some nice wicketkeeping. But Sanju played really well. I would like to see him get a chance. He has been performing consistently. He has been scoring 60s and 70s and is not the old Sanju anymore who would score just 30s and 40s," Harbhajan said.

Another notable exclusion from the 15-member squad was Rinku Singh, who was named in the reserves list. Harbhajan believes Singh should be added in place of a spin option.

"The World Cup team has been selected. The batting is good. I think we are one fast bowler short. One player that I think we will miss is Rinku Singh, because he is someone who can win the match single-handedly for us. He can chase down 60 runs in 20 balls. I think selecting four spinners is a bit too much. Three would have been enough. I wish Team India all the best, hope they bring the cup," Harbhajan said.

Regarding the spin options, Harbhajan believes India will likely field three spinners in a game, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal being the most likely candidates.

Harbhajan expressed confidence in India's chances against Pakistan in their highly-anticipated T20 World Cup match on June 9. "I am sure we will win against Pakistan, we have a great track record against them and have a better team," he concluded.

Tags: #T20WorldCup2024, #IndianCricketTeam, #RishabhPant, #SanjuSamson, #HarbhajanSingh