Not Sanju Samson! Ex-Chief Selector Feels 32-Year-Old Star Could Have Been Picked For T20 World Cup 2024
not sanju samson! ex-chief selector msk prasad feels kl rahul could have been picked for t20 world cup 2024
India will begin their quest to clinch their first ICC trophy in 11 years when they take the field to start their campaign for the T20 World Cup 2024 against Ireland on June 5. The Men in Blue named their squad for the mega tournament on April 30, with 15 main members in the side, and 4 players as travelling reserves. The spots that were heavily up for contention were the two places for the wicketkeeper-batters in the side. The selectors finally zeroed in on Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson in the two spots. One of the major names left out was KL Rahul, who played the role of the wicketkeeper-batter in the ODI World Cup 2023. Former chief selector MSK Prasad preferred Rahul in the role over Samson.
In an interaction with RevSportz, MSK Prasad said that KL Rahul could fit into any role. He said that Sanju Samson was picked based on his recent form in the IPL, but Rahul could have done that job too. The 32-year-old did very well with the bat and behind the stumps in the ODI World Cup and in the IPL 2024 as well, where he took some great catches and led the Lucknow Super Giants well.
“I might sound biased but KL (Rahul) is one guy who would have fit in any role. Probably, the selectors went in with Sanju’s recent form in IPL. Sanju has done well in the recent past, too. Personally, I would have felt KL, too, could have done that job. He has done very well both with the bat and behind the wickets during the 50 overs World Cup and in the IPL matches so far. He took some outstanding catches and started leading the side very well,” Prasad said.
MSK Prasad also said that he feels like Rinku Singh, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were very close to getting selected. However, they went in with the extra spinner in Axar Patel after assessing the conditions in USA and West Indies.
“I feel all three Rinku, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were very close to getting selected. Having said that, the selectors did a good job. They were very clear that in the Caribbean and the USA the wickets will assist the spinners during the latter part of the summer. I think that is the only reason in going for an extra spinner, Axar. That is the reason Rinku had to miss out. See if you look at the players who fit in the role as finishers, I think there is no one better than Rinku now in India. I also feel it is a little unfortunate and hard to digest the fact Rinku has been ignored,” he added.