Aakash Chopra firmly asserts that Rishabh Pant has surpassed Sanju Samson for the pivotal wicketkeeperbatter slot in Indias lineup for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Pants explosive 32ball 53 in the practice game against Bangladesh solidified his claim overshadowing Samsons meager single off just six deliveries.
India scored 182/5 after Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first in New York on Saturday, June 1. The inaugural T20 World Cup victors then reduced Bangladesh to 122/9 for a comfortable 60-run victory.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra reported that Pant seemed to have won a shoot-out versus Samson.
“They made Sanju open and Pant was sent at No. 3. There is a simple takeaway from that they got a straight shoot-out done, that both are given opportunities and whoever scores runs will be given a place in the XI because it seemed like neither of them had a certain place, although Rishabh Pant was the frontrunner. It seems like Rishabh Pant is not just a frontrunner now.”
“He played after such a long time in the Indian jersey, even though it was a warm-up game. He batted extremely well, hit the left-arm spinner for sixes, and played the no-look shot as well. His half-century came at a good pace. So I think Sanju Samson was left behind and Rishabh Pant is winning that race.”
Aakash Chopra
Samson started the batting with Rohit Sharma but was caught lbw by Shoriful Islam in the second over. Pant scored four fours and as many sixes in his 53-run innings before quitting.
“The pitch wasn’t that flat but he looked in good form” – Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya
Aakash Chopra applauded Hardik Pandya for his adventurous knock.
“Hardik Pandya batted well. I am so, so, so happy because nothing good has happened in his life in the last three or four months. The way he was hitting sixes and timing the ball, the pitch wasn’t that flat but he looked in good form.”
Aakash Chopra
The renowned analyst believes the ace all-rounder would play an important role for India in the T20 World Cup.
“If he remains in such form, although he was slightly expensive with the ball, it could be a very good tournament for him because fast bowling will work here. There is sideways movement and uneven bounce at times, with big side boundaries, so he might have a bigger role.”
Aakash Chopra
Hardik Pandya hit two fours and four sixes during his undefeated 40-run innings. He also took a wicket but was fairly pricey, allowing 30 runs in three overs.