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The anticipation surrounding India‘s squad selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, set to take place in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA), is palpable as fans and experts eagerly await the announcement from the selection committee. With limited spots available and a plethora of contenders vying for them, the process promises to be intriguing. Among the most hotly contested positions is that of the wicketkeeper, presenting a challenging task for Ajit Agarkar & Co. to finalize the squad.
Stuart Broad’s insight on India’s wicketkeeper conundrum
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has voiced his support for Rishabh Pant’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, expressing confidence in the talented keeper-batter’s preparedness for the tournament. Broad, speaking on Star Sports, emphasized Pant’s impact and readiness for the global event, highlighting a remarkable shot he played against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as evidence of his ability.
“The selection for the Indian team is up in the air a little bit. You have some players pending in that team. Rishabh Pant’s probably the one on whom there’s a lot of discussion about. There was a shot I saw him play against KKR, a no-look flick over deep square leg for six. The moment he played that shot, I thought, he has got to be in that T20 World Cup squad. He’s ready. He’s good to go,” Broad said.
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Managing workload
Broad further highlighted the importance of managing Pant’s workload effectively, considering his return to professional cricket after an extended hiatus. Acknowledging Pant’s multifaceted role as captain, wicketkeeper, and key middle-order batters, Broad suggested easing the burden on him by utilizing him as an impact sub in some games. Despite the workload, Broad firmly advocated for Pant’s inclusion in the World Cup squad, citing his match-winning abilities as invaluable to the team’s success.
“He has taken a huge amount on; he’s been out of the game for such a long period. He’s captain, he’s wicketkeeper, he’s batting 3, 4, 5. There’s a huge amount on his plate already. I’d like to see him be an Impact Sub in a couple of games, taking a bit of the workload off his shoulders. He’s a match-winner, so I think if I was the selector, he’d be my wicketkeeper in the World Cup squad,” the 37-year-old concluded.
Form in the IPL 2024
Pant has made a remarkable recovery from injuries sustained in a car accident and has been in stellar form for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. With 210 runs in 7 matches at a ღstrike rate of 156.71, including a coupl✱e of half-centuries, Pant has showcased his prowess both with the bat and behind the stumps.
