T20 World Cup: 'He will definitely be in my list' - Anjum Chopra handpicks 2 wicketkeeper-batters for India squad

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T20 World Cup 2024: Anjum Chopra is clear in her thoughts when it comes to picking the top two wicketkeeper-batters for India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign which will start with their match against Ireland on June 5.

The former India captain has handpicked comeback star Rishabh Pant and Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson to fill the wicketkeeper-batters slot for the marquee event which will kick off days after the IPL 2024 final.

Like the rest of the cricketing universe, Anjum Chopra doffed her hat to the spirit of Rishabh Pant, who has bounced back from a near-fatal car accident, and showed the same old confidence and flair in his batting in wicket-keeping despite a 14-month injury layoff.

Anjum, who is part of the star-studded JioCinema commentary panel for the IPL 2024, has reckoned that if fit, Pant should be the first choice alongside Sanju Samson.

"Rishabh Pant will get better with every outing. What Rishabh, his physios and doctors would be assessing is how his body is taking the workload. If he and his body can take the load, because it's only the person who tells about how his body is feeling, and not anyone else. If he is fit, then of course he will be the first choice. But there should be a slot for two wicket-keepers and I think Sanju should be a frontrunner," Anjum Chopra said in an exclusive interview with MyKhel.com.

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Sanju Samson will definitely be in my list: Anjum Chopra on India's T20 World Cup squad

Anjum Chopra asserted that picking a couple of wicketkeeper-batters for the T20 World Cup would be difficult for the selectors as they are spoilt for choices. But she reiterated that Sanju Samson would be in her list regardless of the number of slots available for wicketkeeper-batters.

"I will definitely keep Rishabh there. We have all seen where he was and the fashion in which he has announced his comeback. Pant will be my top choice. But in case there are some unfortunate scenarios, You keep anyone - KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Jitesh Sharma or Ishan Kishan - I am not saying they shouldn't be picked. But Sanju Samson will definitely be in my list. Whether two or three wicketkeeper-batters - Sanju Samson will definitely be in my list" the former batter stated.

Sanju Samson is the highest run-scorer among wicket-keepers in the IPL 2024. After 33 matches, the right-hander has scored 276 runs in seven matches at an average of 55.20, and a strike rate of 155.05. Dinesh Karthik is second on the list. He has scored 226 runs in seven matches at an average of 75.33, and a strike rate of 205.45. Pant follows him at third with 210 runs in seven matches at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 156.71.