'PANT HAS EDGE OVER SAMSON'

Pant has shown glimpses of his vintage shots

On April 30, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson were picked as the wicketkeeper-batters by India in their 15-member squad for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA from June 1.

While this is the first time Samson has been picked in an India squad for senior men’s World Cups. In IPL 2024, Samson has amassed 385 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 161. On the other hand, Pant has scored 398 runs in 11 innings at a strike-rate of 159. While Samson has hit 36 fours compared to the 31 smashed by Pant, the latter has smacked 24 sixes compared to the former’s 17 maximums.

Ajay Ratra, the former India wicketkeeper-batter, believes Pant would be his first choice over Samson, citing his good returns on being back at p lay ing compet i t ive cricket.