Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant: Contenders for the T20 World Cup Squad

The T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and the Indian cricket team is finalizing its squad for the tournament. One of the key discussions among fans and experts revolves around the inclusion of young talents Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant. India's head coach Rahul Dravid has recently shed light on their chances of making it to the squad. Let's delve into the details and analyze the prospects of these two exciting wicketkeeper-batsmen.

Also Read Who Will Be Behind the Stumps in the T20 World Cup?

Ishan Kishan: A Roller Coaster Journey

Ishan Kishan, a promising young cricketer, had a roller coaster journey in the Indian cricket scene. He was a regular member of the Indian side across all three formats until the South Africa tour. However, things took an unexpected turn when Kishan decided to leave the Indian squad, citing mental fatigue, and flew to Dubai. This decision raised eyebrows and led to speculation about disciplinary action against the left-hander.

Despite the rumors, India's head coach Rahul Dravid clarified that Kishan was not available for selection and denied any disciplinary issues. Dravid hinted that Kishan would need to prove himself in first-class cricket before being considered for the England series. This statement kept the doors open for Kishan's potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.

Rishabh Pant: The Injury Woes

Another talented wicketkeeper-batsman in the spotlight is Rishabh Pant. Pant has been nursing leg injuries, which have kept him away from competitive cricket at the highest level. However, there are reports suggesting that he might feature in this year's IPL, which could enhance his chances of making it to the T20 World Cup squad.

It's important to note that Pant's injuries have limited his recent playing time. While he has shown immense potential, his fitness and match readiness remain key concerns. Nevertheless, if Pant can prove his form and fitness in the IPL, he could become a strong contender for a spot in the Indian squad.

Dravid's Perspective: The Contenders for the T20 World Cup

Rahul Dravid, known for his astute cricketing acumen, acknowledged that there are several options available for the wicketkeeper role in the T20 World Cup squad. Alongside Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant, Dravid mentioned the names of Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson as potential contenders.

Dravid highlighted the need for someone who can bat below No.5 and score at a quick pace, which aligns with the team's requirements. While Kishan, Pant, and even KL Rahul offer batting prowess, their preferred batting positions might work against them. With Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill already occupying the top-order slots, Dravid emphasized the importance of finding a batsman who can thrive in the middle and lower order.

"We've got quite a few keeping options. We saw a couple of guys in this series, whether it is Sanju, or Jitesh. You speak about Rahul, there is Ishan, Rishabh... all of them are in the mix. We just have to see how things pan out in the course of next few months and then we can take a call what's the best way to go," Dravid said after India's thrilling win in the final T20I in Bengaluru.

The Battle for the T20 World Cup Spot

With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, the battle for the wicketkeeper-batsman spot in the Indian squad has intensified. Let's take a closer look at the prospects of Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant and how they stack up against each other.

Ishan Kishan: The Versatile Southpaw

Ishan Kishan, known for his aggressive batting style, has showcased his skills in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Mumbai Indians. Kishan's ability to score at a brisk pace and his versatility as a left-handed batsman make him an intriguing candidate for the T20 World Cup squad.

Despite his temporary setback due to the mental fatigue episode, Kishan has shown glimpses of his potential. He was seen training with Hardik Pandya, indicating that he is mentally fit to play cricket. However, his absence from Jharkhand's matches and the initial exclusion from India's Test squad against England raised doubts about his immediate future.

Dravid's recent statement regarding Kishan's inclusion in the T20 World Cup mix brings a ray of hope for the young wicketkeeper-batsman. Kishan needs to prove himself in domestic cricket and potentially perform well in the upcoming IPL to strengthen his case for selection.

Rishabh Pant: The Dynamic Game-Changer

Rishabh Pant, a name synonymous with swashbuckling batting, has garnered attention with his fearless approach. Pant's exploits in Test cricket, including his match-winning performances against Australia, have earned him a reputation as a dynamic game-changer.

However, Pant's recurrent injuries have hindered his progress and limited his playing time. The focus now shifts to his recovery and potential participation in the IPL. If Pant can showcase his form, fitness, and ability to dominate the opposition in the IPL, he could become an irresistible option for the Indian selectors.

The Role of IPL in the Selection Process

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform for players to prove their mettle and stake their claim for national team selection. The upcoming edition of the IPL holds significant importance for both Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant.

Performing well in the IPL can provide the necessary impetus for these talented wicketkeeper-batsmen to cement their spots in the T20 World Cup squad. The IPL's high-pressure environment, competitive matches, and exposure to international players make it an ideal testing ground for players aspiring to represent their country.

Conclusion

The discussions surrounding Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the Indian T20 World Cup squad continue to gather momentum. While Kishan's mental fatigue episode raised concerns initially, Rahul Dravid's recent statement provides hope for his inclusion. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant's injuries have created doubts about his match readiness, but a successful IPL campaign could bolster his chances.

As the T20 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on these two talented wicketkeeper-batsmen. The battle for the spot in the Indian squad is intense, and it will ultimately be the performances in domestic cricket and the IPL that will determine their fate. Only time will tell who gets the nod to represent India on the global stage.