T20 World Cup 2024: Rahul vs Samson a Major Worry for India's Selectors as Pandya's form Remains a Concern

KL Rahul is expected to be slightly ahead of Sanju Samson in the race for second wicketkeeper, while Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya's poor batting form remains a concern for the national selection panel. Meanwhile, the board is expected to announce the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in the Americas by the end of this month.

Another point of contention in drafting the final squad could be the inclusion of an extra bowler.

It remains to be seen whether an extra fast bowler like Avesh Khan would be accommodated, or if the choice will be between LSG's leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel, given the West Indies' low and sluggish tracks.

It is expected that the skipper Rohit Sharma will meet with the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to review the team's outline.

The ICC has set a May 1 deadline for the revelation of 15-member squads, and the BCCI is scheduled to reveal the names anytime between the end of this week and the beginning of next week.

In eight MI games, Pandya has bowled only 17 of a possible 32 overs.

As a designated finisher, he has only hit seven sixes in these games, which is below average by any standard. He has only scored 15 runs in the competition thus far, with a strike rate of 142.

However, Pandya can be referred to as a 'TINA' option (There Is No Alternative) by the selectors because Shivam Dube, who is also set to join the New York-bound trip, does not bowl.

In terms of talent and pace, Dube is no match for Pandya, but his current batting form (22 sixes in eight games) cannot be sidelined.

KL Rahul vs Sanju Samson

It is easy to conclude that Rishabh Pant, who is now third among the leading run-getters with 342 runs at a strike rate of 161, has firmly established himself as the team's No. 1 keeper-batter as well as a designated finisher.

The competition for the second keeper's spot is fierce, and while KL Rahul (302 at 141 SR) does not bat in the middle order, his range of strokes may just not be enough to beat Samson (314 at SR 152).

But speculation says that Samson may once again have to settle for a reserve spot, as he did in last year's 50-over World Cup.

Ravi Bishnoi vs Avesh Khan vs Axar Patel

Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are the five bowlers who have almost certainly secured their places.

However, except for Bumrah and Kuldeep, the other Indian bowlers haven't been in good form during the IPL, making the selection of an extra bowler crucial.

Avesh of the Rajasthan Royals, Axar of the Delhi Capitals, and Bishnoi of the Lucknow Super Giants will compete against each other.

Avesh, who has made significant progress in his death bowling, has eight wickets in as many matches with an economy rate of 9.41, whereas Bishnoi has just five wickets but has a remarkable economy rate of 8.47 on flat tracks.

Axar, who has seven wickets in nine matches but bowls at a rate slightly above 7, would also be an excellent choice given the conditions with extra support with the bat.

Add to that his batting skill, scoring runs at a strike rate of 132, and the fact that he is an excellent all-around & excellent fielder.