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Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan (Source: Twitter)
India faces a significant dilemma as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2024, particularly in selecting a reliable wicketkeeper-batter capable of contributing quick runs with the bat in the lower order while maintaining agile glovework behind the stumps. The leading contender for this role appears to be 30-year-old Jitesh Sharma, who, in his brief career of nine matches, has showcased promising cameos and commendable work with the gloves.
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Nevertheless, the battle for the position is anticipated to intensify in the upcoming months. According to India's head coach Rahul Dravid, Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul are all contenders for the coveted spot. It is worth noting that Kishan was initially part of India's squad for all three formats during the recent tour to South Africa, but he withdrew from the tour and travelled to Dubai, citing mental fatigue.
"We've got quite a few keeping options. We saw a couple of guys in this series, whether it is Sanju, or Jitesh. You speak about Rahul, there is Ishan, Rishabh... all of them are in the mix. We just have to see how things pan out in the course of next few months and then we can take a call what's the best way to go," said Dravid after third final T20I against Afghanistan.
Kishan was unavailable for selection and hence was not selected
Widespread reports were suggesting that Kishan had been omitted from the Afghanistan T20I series squad due to disciplinary reasons. However, Coach Dravid dismissed all the rumours and clarified that the cricketer from Patna was unavailable for selection. The mystery surrounding Kishan deepened as he was absent from the Ranji games for Jharkhand and was not included in the squad for the first two Tests against England.
In addition to it, Dhruv Jurel received his maiden call-up to the Indian side to fill the wicketkeeper's position. Meanwhile, Pant and Rahul could secure spots in the World Cup squad based on their strong performances in the initial phase of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahul has not been part of the T20I team since India's exit from the T20 World Cup 2022, marked by a ten-wicket defeat against England in the second semi-final.