There is a lot of buzz surrounding the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.
Hosts India will begin their campaign on October 8 against five-time World Cup champions Australia at Chepauk.
With less than three months to go for the quadrennial event, the fans and experts have started picking the possible squad and the key players for Team India.
Speaking to JioCinema, former opener Wasim Jaffer shared his thoughts on the first-choice wicketkeeper in India’s ODI World Cup squad.
According to Jaffer, Rahul should be the first-choice wicketkeeper if he gets fit in time from his thigh injury. Rahul hurt his thigh during the IPL 2023 season and underwent surgery to treat his injury. Recently, the BCCI provided an update that he has shown good progress in rehab and returned to the nets.
With Rishabh Pant unlikely to take part in the showpiece tournament due to injuries after a car crash, Rahul remains the primary contender but Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson will also compete for the back-up keeper spot in the squad.
Jaffer reckons Ishan has a bigger chance to get included as the second wicketkeeper as he can also open the batting.
“I think so. KL Rahul will obviously be the first choice if he is fit. After that, Sanju Samson could be the one. It could also be Ishan Kishan as the backup opener and wicketkeeper. Then Sanju might miss out," Jaffer stated.
He feels the upcoming ODI series against West Indies will be crucial for Samson as the latter can make a strong case for himself with some strong performances.
“So this series (ODIs vs West Indies) is very important for Sanju Samson. There has been a slight consistency issue with Sanju Samson. But if he plays like that, if he takes responsibility, he could be that second wicketkeeper," Jaffer added.
Wasim Jaffer wants the Indian team to play Kishan in the middle-order until Rahul regains his complete fitness.
“He fits in absolutely. I am of the opinion if Ishan Kishan is in your scheme of things, play him now (in the middle order) and then definitely keep playing him until Rahul is not there so that you know for sure that Ishan Kishan is your No. 2 keeper."
“If you are not thinking like that, Rahul has to play in the middle order, so Sanju Samson 100% fits in my team. The discussion is that he is not that consistent but the numbers are looking very good for the last little while. If he plays at No. 4 in this series and scores runs, he will be selected going forward as well and then he can definitely play the World Cup," he remarked.
The three-match ODI series between India and West Indies is slated to get underway on July 27 in Barbados.
