IPL to T20 World Cup: Six wicketkeepers vying for a place in India’s squad

As the deadline for the announcement of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 squads approaches, India faces a selection dilemma with several players contending for the primary wicketkeeper’s spot.

The hiatus of Ishan Kishan from international cricket, coupled with Rishabh Pant’s promising comeback and the timely surge in form of Sanju Samson and Dinesh Karthik, has intensified the competition.

Let’s delve into the performances of the wicketkeeping contenders in the ongoing Indian Premier League season.

Ishan Kishan

Matches – 7, Runs – 192, Average – 27.42, Strike-rate – 172.97, Dismissals – 6

Ishan Kishan has played the most T20Is for India among wicketkeepers since the last T20 World Cup in Australia. However, his performance has been less than stellar, with 253 runs in 13 matches at an average of 19.46 and a strike-rate of 111.94.

Despite an impressive strike-rate in IPL 2024, Kishan’s inconsistency could jeopardize his chances. He also faces stiff competition for a spot in the top three from heavyweights like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Rishabh Pant

Matches – 8, Runs – 254, Average – 36.28, Strike-rate – 150.29, Dismissals – 11

Rishabh Pant has made a triumphant return to professional cricket after recovering from an accident in late 2022. In the ongoing IPL season, Pant has demonstrated his pre-injury form, scoring two half-centuries in eight innings for Delhi Capitals.

Despite his impressive performance, Pant’s T20 International record is a slight concern. In 66 T20Is, Pant averages 22.43 and has scored at a rate of 126.37.

Sanju Samson

Matches – 7, Runs – 276, Average – 55.2, Strike-rate – 155.05, Dismissals – 5

Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals skipper, has had an impressive IPL season so far. However, his performance in India’s T20I setup in 2024 was less than satisfactory, making a golden duck against Afghanistan.

Despite the competition for spots in the top four, Samson’s recent form and aggressive gameplay could earn him a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.

Jitesh Sharma

Matches – 8, Runs – 128, Average – 16.0, Strike-rate – 125.49, Dismissals – 10

Jitesh Sharma’s place in India’s T20I squad seemed secure after his impressive performances in the shortest format of the game. However, his underwhelming performance in IPL 2024 could see him slip down the pecking order.

Dinesh Karthik

Matches – 8, Runs – 251, Average – 62.75, Strike-rate – 196.09, Dismissals – 1

After nearly two years without an appearance in India colours, Karthik is being considered for a recall to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming mega event, thanks to his stellar performances as a finisher for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

KL Rahul

Matches – 7, Runs – 286, Average – 40.85, Strike-rate – 143.00, Dismissals – 9

KL Rahul hasn’t played T20Is since the last edition of the T20 World Cup, but his decent performance in IPL 2024 has kept him in the conversation. However, with several players vying for a spot in the top four, Rahul might find it challenging to secure a place in the T20 World Cup squad as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper.

(Stats as of 21 April)