The Indian team will soon begin its preparations for the T20 World Cup. While preparations are already underway, the players who will be seen playing in the T20 World Cup have now been announced. Before the World Cup, Team India will play a five-match T20 International series against New Zealand. Meanwhile, the question is who will open the innings during this series. India currently has three options.
Who will be the first choice keeper-batter for team India in T20 World Cup?
The BCCI has already announced Team India for the T20 World Cup. The same team will remain in place for the World Cup and the New Zealand series. This team has three contenders for opening the innings for India, two of whom are wicketkeepers. In addition to Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan has also been included in the squad. Ishan Kishan recently scored a brilliant century in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. However, it’s highly unlikely he’ll get a chance in this series. Sanju Samson is the first contender for opening alongside Abhishek Sharma.
It is believed that Sanju Samson will open the innings with Abhishek Sharma, as they have both done this before. Ishan Kishan is returning to Team India after a long time, and he is likely to get a chance only if one of Sanju and Abhishek gets injured or loses form. If this does not happen, Ishan Kishan will remain with the team, but it is highly unlikely that he will be included in the playing eleven.
Sanju Samson vs Ishan Kishan stats comparison
Meanwhile, if we look at the statistics, Sanju and Abhishek seem to have the upper hand. Abhishek has so far played 33 T20 International matches and scored 1115 runs, with two centuries and six half-centuries. His strike rate is around 188. After this, if we look at Sanju Samson, he has so far played 52 T20 International matches and scored 1032 runs. This includes three centuries and three half-centuries. His strike rate is around 148.
Now let’s talk about Ishan Kishan. He has so far played 32 T20 International matches and scored 796 runs. His strike rate is around 124. Ishan has not scored any century, but he definitely has six half-centuries to his name.