Kishan, Pant in contention for T20 WC 2024: Dravid. Ishan Kishan recently canceled his South African tour due to mental exhaustion.
India’s biggest challenge ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 is finding a solid wicketkeeper batter who can add some quick runs with the bat lower down the order while also providing quick glovework behind the stumps. The 30-year-old Jitesh Sharma appears to be the front-runner for the position right now. Play some good cameos in his short career of nine matches so far. As well as some decent work with the gloves behind the stumps
However, the competition for the spot is expect to heat up in the coming month.
India’s head coach Rahul Dravid stating that Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant. KL Rahul are all vying for the highly covet position. Notably, Kishan was a member of India’s squad for all three formats during their recent tour of South Africa. He withdrew and flew to Dubai due to mental fatigue.
“We have a lot of keeping options. We saw a couple of guys in this series, such as Sanju and Jitesh. You mention Rahul, but there’s also Ishan and Rishabh involved. We just have to see how things go over the next few months and then decide what the best course of action is. ” Dravid said following India’s thrilling victory in the final T20I in Bengaluru.
Notably, widespread reports claim that Kishan was not chosen for the Afghanistan T20I series on disciplinary grounds. However, coach Dravid denied all rumors and stated that the Patna-born cricketer unavailable for selection.
The mystery surrounding Kishan grew as he did not appear in any Ranji games for Jharkhand and not even select in the squad for the first two Tests against England. Dhruv Jurel earning his first call-up to the Indian side to fill the wicketkeeper’s position.
Meanwhile, Pant and Rahul can also break into the World Cup squad on the back of some solid performances in the first half of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024. Rahul hasn’t been a part of the T20I team ever since India’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2022. Following a humiliating ten-wicket loss against England in the second semi-final.
Also Visit: IPL 2024 to begin on March 22, final expect to be played on May 26
Rishabh Pant to make his comeback in IPL 2024
On the other hand, Pant has been going through rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru ever since his near-fatal car crash on December 30, 2022. However, there’s a big question mark on his wicketkeeping fitness which will further get clear once he marks his return on the pitch in IPL 2024.
With just five months to go for the T20 World Cup 2024. The selectors will have a huge headache of selecting the best 15-member squad out of the large talent pool in the country.
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