Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir believed that Rishabh Pant's experience in the middle-order could give him the edge over Sanju Samson for India's wicketkeeper-batsman role at the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States.
Despite both players making it to India's 15-member squad for the tournament, Gambhir suggested that only one will likely make the starting XI.
Pant's inclusion in the squad came after an impressive comeback following a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, with strong performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) catching the selectors' attention.
Gambhir, who played a pivotal role in India's 2007 World Cup triumph, emphasised Pant's suitability due to his left-handed batting style and versatility in the middle-order.
"With Pant's consistent performances in the IPL, particularly batting at numbers five, six, and seven, he provides India with a wicketkeeper in a crucial lower-middle-order position," Gambhir said.
Acknowledging Samson's batting prowess, Gambhir pointed out that if Samson proves to be more effective in the lower order, India might consider him for the role.
