So far in IPL 2020, we have some explosive performances from multiple wicket-keeper batsmen of India. Sanju Samson fascinated everyone by playing 2 stunning knocks at Sharjah for Rajasthan Royals. The likes of Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan too have been in excellent touch in the tournament.
Since the retirement of MS Dhoni, the permanent position of India’s wicket-keeper batsman is still up for grabs. Presently KL Rahul is playing in that position for team India in white-ball cricket. However, if Rahul shifts to the opening slot again in ODIs his workload will have to be managed and he might have to play purely as a batsman.
Sanju Samson Ahead Of Rishabh Pant- Kevin Pietersen
Recently Kevin Pietersen in detail explained whom he would like to see play for India between Samson and Pant. Pietersen believes that Samson ticks all the right boxes and should play International cricket consistently ahead of Pant.
“When I see Sanju Samson, I see completely different. The dedication, the commitment he put into turning up for this year’s IPL, that impressed me”, said Pietersen on Star Sports.
“That got him ahead of Rishabh Pant for me, just purely from diet-based, fitness base and from dedication. He said (Samson) I want to go out there and do everything I can to play cricket for India. He’s got runs after runs. He failed a couple of times. But that dedication is what you need to get into international cricket,” Pietersen added.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Dinesh Karthik Delivers Worrying Injury Update On Andre Russell
Meanwhile, there’s no disputing that Pant has so far under-performed in white-ball cricket for India. The southpaw has lacked consistent and his shot selection has always been under scrutiny.
Whereas Sanju Samson thus far hasn’t been given a long rope in the Indian side. Kevin Pietersen pointed out that at this stage Samson is marginally leading Pant just because of his consistency with the willow.
“Rishabh Pant is somebody who disappoints. Because he is someone I expect so much from. And, I am yet to consistently see him giving performances with the bat day in and day out,” he added.
“To get that Indian tag, and to play international cricket, you need some consistencies. You need to get better. I am seeing the same player I saw a year before, and a year before, and a year before that. As long as he has been playing, he has been inconsistent”, Pietersen concluded.
Also Read: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad-Match Prediction
