Sanju Samson, one of the most gifted cricketers of his generation and certainly a fan favourite, has found a place in India's 15-member provisional squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the Americas. (More Cricket News)
The 29-year-old from Kerala was in a six-man fight for the now-confirmed two wicket-keepers' spot in the Rohit Sharma-led side, with Rishabh Pant being the first choice, according to reports. Others who have missed the cut are: Dinesh Karthik, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma and KL Rahul.
While Pant, who made a miraculous recovery after meeting a near-fatal road accident, was always the favourite to get the top billing; Samson, thanks to his incredible showing in the ongoing Indian Premier League π³(IPL) 2024 season managed to trump India regular wicketkeeper in limited overs format KL Rahul.
π¬Leading Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024, Samson has scored 385 runs in nine innings with four half-centuries at an average of 77.00. At the time of writing, he was sixth in the scorers' charts.
κ¦Samson was ignored for the T20 World Cup 2022 and the ODI World Cup 2023. He last played for India in a T20I against Afghanistan at Bengaluru on January 17, 2024.
κ¦After making his India debut in July 2015, in a T20I against Zimbabwe at Harare, the wicketkeeper-batter, has scored 374 runs in 25 matches. He also has 510 runs in 16 ODIs.
Another player who made a return to the India squad is Yuzvendra Chahalβ, the most prolific bowler in the history of IPL. The 33-year-old last played for India in August 2023 in a T20 International against the West Indies at Lauderhill, Florida, USA. He is the second wrist spinner in the team alongside Kuldeep Yadav. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is another tweaker in the 15-member squad.
β India will open their campaign with a Group clash against Ireland on June 5 in New York. It will be followed by the big-ticket match against Pakistan on June 9. Three days later, the inaugural champions take on co-hosts United States, also in New York.
π¦Rohit Sharma & Co. will then move to Florida to conclude their group engagements with a fixture against Canada. The top two teams after the group stage will progress to the Super 8 stage.
