Pant Vs Samson Vs Kishan - Who Should Keep For India In T20 World Cup 2024?

Pant and Samson are top-contenders for the WK spot (x.com)Pant and Samson are top-contenders for the WK spot (x.com)

In a few days' time, India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 will be announced. One of India's most pertinent selection questions is the composition of the squad, including deciding who should keep wickets for the Men in Blue. 

Midway through IPL 2024, the race to be India’s wicket-keeper at the T20 World Cup has intensified.

Currently, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma are all in contention for a spot on the plane to the USA and West Indies this June. Additionally, Dinesh Karthik is seen as a dark horse for the global event. 

Although DK hasn’t been in the scheme of things since the last World Cup in Australia, he has recently made himself available for selection. Based on merit, DK ranks above all competitors, including Pant, given his impact with the bat in the ongoing IPL. 

However, according to the latest reports, he is unlikely to be picked, and Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant is the front-runner for the spot. 

Who should ideally be donning the gloves for India in the marquee event? 


Rishabh Pant

Pant has made his comeback to cricket in IPL 2024 (AP)Pant has made his comeback to cricket in IPL 2024 (AP)

Rishabh Pant recently returned from over a year out due to injury in this year's IPL and has performed admirably so far. 

In this season, Pant has scored 254 runs in eight innings at an average of 36.29 and a strike-rate of 150.30. He has scored all these runs while batting in the middle-order, a position he will likely occupy if picked for the T20 World Cup. 


Sanju Samson

Samson has been in blistering form in IPL 2024 (AP Photo)Samson has been in blistering form in IPL 2024 (AP Photo)

A fan favourite, Sanju Samson once again is making headlines for all the right reasons. Judging by the numbers, he’s the top choice. Samson has scored 276 runs at an average of 55.20 and a strike rate of 155.06. 

These numbers are staggering, and the sample size of seven games is decent enough for consideration. Having started seasons with a bang only to fade later, he has already equaled his personal best of three fifty-plus scores in a season and looks set for more. 


Ishan Kishan

Kishan has been providing gun starts to MI in IPL 2024 (AP)Kishan has been providing gun starts to MI in IPL 2024 (AP)

Ishan Kishan may not be among the top three options at the moment, but selectors will keep a close eye on him as a backup choice. His performance this season will likely prompt consideration despite recent controversies between Ishan and the BCCI. 

Opening the batting for Mumbai Indians (MI), the southpaw has accumulated 192 runs at an average of 27.43 with a rapid strike rate of 172.97. 

The pocket dynamo’s numbers aren’t as impressive as Pant or Samson's, but what has brought him into the selection frame is his strike rate.