Cricket

KL Rahul Omitted from India's T20 World Cup Squad: BCCI Chief Selector ExplainsThe Indian cricket team's wicket-keeping position for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has been a subject of much debate. The selectors have ultimately opted for Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, leaving out KL Rahul from the 15-member squad and reserves.This decision has raised eyebrows, considering Rahul's impressive form in the ongoing IPL 2024. He became the first wicket-keeper batter to score 400 runs in the competition this year. However, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has shed light on the rationale behind Rahul's exclusion.Agarkar explained that the selectors were prioritizing players who can bat in the middle order. Rahul, on the other hand, has primarily played as an opener for his IPL team, Lucknow Super Giants."KL's a terrific player. But we were looking for guys who bat in the middle. We feel Sanju has the ability to come down the order if need be. Rishabh is batting at No. 5 for DC. It wasn't whether KL is better or these guys are better. It's about the slots we needed, and we felt that these two are better equipped at this point in the latter half of the innings," Agarkar said.Agarkar also acknowledged the influence of IPL performances on team selection. However, he emphasized that the selectors do not solely rely on three months of cricket."It's a little bit of a challenge. You try and plan before the IPL starts. We had conversations in the last few months anyway. You keep a track of performances and fitness of players, but if you get swayed by three months of cricket, then there's something wrong in the way you pick players. We were pretty clear in our thinking," Agarkar added.

Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson have been selected as the wicketkeeper-batters for India's 15-member squad for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup. This marks Samson's first inclusion in an India squad for a senior men's World Cup, while Pant returns to the national set-up after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident.In the ongoing IPL 2024, Samson has amassed 385 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 161, while Pant has scored 398 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 159. Samson has hit 36 fours compared to Pant's 31, but Pant has smacked 24 sixes compared to Samson's 17.Former India wicketkeeper-batter Ajay Ratra believes Pant would be his first choice over Samson, citing his strong performances since returning to competitive cricket. Ratra highlights Pant's left-handed batting in the middle order and his experience in international cricket as advantages.However, Samson's strike rate in the first ten balls (138) is better than Pant's (119), and his strike rate in overs 7-15 (159) is also higher than Pant's (139). Pant, on the other hand, has the edge in overs 16-20, with a strike rate of 229 compared to Samson's 206.Ratra also praises Pant's wicketkeeping skills, noting his swift movement behind the stumps and his ability to take impressive catches. He believes Pant's unique style of wicketkeeping has been successful so far.Ratra expresses disappointment over KL Rahul's omission from the squad, stating that Rahul's experience and ability to perform in pressure situations would have been valuable. However, he acknowledges the selectors' difficult task in choosing between Rahul and Samson.Ratra also laments the omission of Rinku Singh from the main squad, citing his exceptional performances as a finisher with a strike rate of 176.23. He believes Singh's ability to score runs against both spinners and pacers, as well as his fielding skills, would have been beneficial to the team.Ratra concludes by observing that India has a strong spin-bowling contingent, comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal. He notes that drop-in pitches tend to be slower, but it remains to be seen what kind of matches the World Cup will produce.

Sanju Samson's consistent performances in the ongoing IPL have reignited hopes of his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. The Rajasthan Royals skipper has led his team to the top of the points table, showcasing his leadership skills and batting prowess.Samson's batting has undergone a transformation this season. He has adopted a more consistent approach, anchoring the Royals' batting lineup at number three. His match-winning 71 against Lucknow Super Giants was a testament to his improved mental fortitude and technical adjustments.Personal coach Bijumon N attributes Samson's success to eight months of rigorous training focused on the T20 World Cup. They have worked on his mental preparation, batting technique, and ability to handle spinners. Samson has become more adept at using his feet and has added new strokes to his repertoire against slow bowlers.Despite his impressive form, Samson faces stiff competition for a spot in the Indian team. Rishabh Pant is likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, leaving Samson with a limited chance to play. However, his consistent performances in the IPL have put him in contention for a backup role.Samson's inclusion in the Indian team would be a significant moment for Kerala cricket. The state has a rich cricketing history, and Samson's success could inspire future generations of players. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Samson's form and experience could prove invaluable to Team India.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal have been included in India's provisional squad for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, while star batter Shubman Gill and big-hitter Rinku Singh have been relegated to the reserves group.The BCCI announced the Rohit Sharma-led squad after a meeting between secretary Jay Shah and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Ahmedabad. All-rounder Hardik Pandya was retained as vice-captain despite his poor recent form after taking over Mumbai Indians leadership in the ongoing IPL.Samson, who has had a good IPL both as a batter and captain for Rajasthan Royals, was included as the second wicketkeeper-batter behind Rishabh Pant, pipping the likes of K L Rahul and Ishan Kishan. Hard-hitting batter Shivam Dube also made the cut on the back of a strong IPL showing.Leg-spinner Chahal, who last played for India in August 2023, is the second wrist spinner in the team alongside Kuldeep Yadav. However, Gill, who is enjoying a good run in the IPL as Gujarat Titans captain, found himself among the standbys along with Kolkata Knight Riders' big-hitter Rinku Singh.The selectors decided to show faith in Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had a slow start in the IPL but regained his touch recently for Rajasthan Royals. The T20 World cup begins on June 2 in the USA and the Caribbean. India will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York.

Sanju Samson's stellar performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has propelled him to the forefront of India's wicket-keeping options for the T20 World Cup 2024. According to ESPNCricinfo, Samson has emerged as the selectors' preferred choice behind the stumps, surpassing Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.Samson's consistent batting in the middle order has been a key factor in his selection. With the top four of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav likely to be set, Samson is the leading contender for the No. 5 role.While Pant has also impressed with his batting, his wicket-keeping has been inconsistent. Rahul, on the other hand, has struggled with the bat, raising doubts about his place in the team.In the middle order, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube are also in contention. However, Samson's form has given him a significant edge.Hardik Pandya remains a near-certain pick despite his underwhelming performance as Mumbai Indians captain. The lack of viable alternatives makes him an almost automatic selection.In terms of spin-bowling all-rounders, Axar Patel has impressed, but Ravindra Jadeja is still expected to be preferred.The T20 World Cup 2024 squad is expected to be announced in the coming months, and Samson's inclusion as the primary wicket-keeper is a strong possibility. His IPL form has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level, making him a valuable asset for the Indian team.

The Indian cricket team's selection committee is set to meet in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to finalize the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The meeting will be attended by BCCI secretary Jay Shah and will focus on two key issues: Hardik Pandya's inclusion and the backup wicketkeeper's role.Pandya's form as a fast-bowling all-rounder has been a concern, but the lack of suitable replacements makes him a likely pick. However, the backup wicketkeeper's position is up for grabs.Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have been the frontrunners for the role, but recent developments have thrown a spanner in the works. Samson has been in excellent form for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, but his batting position at No. 3 may not guarantee him a place in the Indian team.Rahul, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for India in T20Is, but his approach in the format has been criticized as archaic. Additionally, the team management is reportedly seeking a wicketkeeper who can fit into the lower order.This has brought Rajasthan Royals' Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma back into contention. Jurel has not had much opportunity to keep wickets, but he scored a fifty in the last game in Lucknow. Sharma, on the other hand, is in poor form.The Indian Express reports that Samson is no longer a sure-shot pick for the backup wicketkeeper's role, with Jurel and Sharma now in the mix. The selection committee will have a tough decision to make, as all three players have their strengths and weaknesses.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some exceptional performances from wicketkeepers this season, intensifying the competition for the second wicketkeeper's slot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former South African captain Graeme Smith believes that Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have emerged as strong contenders.Samson's unbeaten 71 off 33 balls for Rajasthan Royals and Rahul's 76 off 48 balls for Lucknow Super Giants have showcased their class. Smith praised Samson's partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who contributed an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls, saying, "They had an incredible partnership to get them over the line."Former Australian pacer Brett Lee lauded Jurel's contribution, describing him as a "quality batter" with "proper cricket shots." Lee noted Jurel's ability to "play all formats of the game" and his "classy" shots.Smith also highlighted the strength of Rajasthan Royals' squad, stating, "They had (Shimron) Hetmyer still to bat, so there was a lot in the tank, lots of match-winners with the bat and ball."The Indian squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced soon, with Rishabh Pant likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. However, the performances of Samson and Rahul have put pressure on the selectors to consider them for the second wicketkeeper's role.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has sparked a debate with his proposed India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, excluding Sanju Samson despite his impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024.Doull's selection dilemma mirrors the challenge facing the Ajit Agarkar-led selectors, particularly regarding the two wicket-keeping positions. While Rishabh Pant remains the frontrunner, the backup role has become a contentious issue, with Samson, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik all vying for the spot.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Doull unveiled his preferred combination, with Pant as the first-choice keeper and Rahul as the backup. However, he made a surprising move by assigning Pant the No. 3 batting position, aiming to accommodate other players in the lineup."I have flipped and flopped a lot about this, but I want Rishabh Pant at No. 3 because I can't see fitting the other players in without my keeper batting at No. 3. Also, I wanted a left-hander followed by two righties," Doull explained.Despite Pant's struggles in T20Is, Doull expressed confidence in his evolution and highlighted his improved fitness during IPL 2024.Another intriguing decision by Doull was his preference for Shivam Dube over Hardik Pandya, based on Dube's impressive batting displays for Chennai Super Kings.Doull's starting XI for India features Virat Kohli as the opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup. The squad includes Ravindra Jadeja as the lone all-rounder, with expectations for Dube to contribute with his bowling skills. Arshdeep Singh is the third seamer, with Avesh Khan serving as the backup option in the pace department.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson's scintillating knock against Lucknow Super Giants has reignited the debate surrounding his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Samson's match-winning 71 off just 33 balls, including seven boundaries and four maximums, has garnered support from veteran cricketers, who believe he deserves a place in the national team.Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen was quick to advocate for Samson's inclusion, stating that he "has to go" to the World Cup. Pietersen praised Samson's talent and ability to perform under pressure, emphasizing that he should be one of the first picks for the selectors.Samson's consistent batting performances throughout the IPL season have strengthened his case for World Cup selection. With 385 runs in 10 matches, including four fifty-plus scores, Samson is currently leading the run-scoring charts among all Indian wicket-keeping options in IPL 2024. He is also second in the race for the Orange Cap, further solidifying his credentials.Samson's ability to deliver under pressure was evident in his match-winning knock against Lucknow. With Rajasthan Royals needing 16 runs off the final over, Samson smashed Avesh Khan for a six and a four to secure a crucial victory.Samson's inclusion in the World Cup squad would provide India with a versatile and explosive option in the middle order. His ability to play both spin and pace bowling effectively, as well as his experience as a captain, make him a valuable asset to any team.With the T20 World Cup just a few weeks away, the selectors will have a tough decision to make regarding Samson's inclusion. However, his recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case, and he will be hoping to continue his impressive form in the remaining IPL matches.