Suresh Raina calls this player as the ‘X factor’ in the potential T20 World Cup squad for India

Just five months before the World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, in the midst of the controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return to the T20I format, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina was quick to highlight the increasing competition for one spot in the final squad for the ICC event in June, making it the “toughest” position in the side. Raina alluded to the competition for the wicketkeeping post, citing up to five likely contenders. While KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Rishabh Pant are in the running for the post, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma have been selected for the part in the three-match encounter against Afghanistan that starts on Thursday in Mohali.

Ishan became the top choice after Pant’s devastating car accident in December 2022 that rendered him out of action, although Samson was also offered the chance to go on the Ireland trip. But Jitesh was preferred over Ishan for the two series India played following the ODI World Cup final in November, and the latter was passed over.

Raina, who will be an expert with JioCinema and Sports18 throughout the series, spoke with the media on Thursday ahead of India’s opening match against Afghanistan. He told Hindustan Times that while he does not see any significant changes to the current squad with the T20 World Cup in mind, he is waiting on head coach Rahul Dravid and the selectors to make a big decision regarding the wicketkeeping position.

“I feel there will be tough competition for the wicketkeeping slot. Rishabh Pant will become fit, KL Rahul will return, Samson and Jitesh are already there, Ishan Kishan is also there. That position will become very important,” he said.

Asked if Samson could play that role now that he’s back in the T20 World Cup picture after missing the games against South Africa and Australia, the Chennai Super Kings legend backed the 29-year-old and said he could be a ‘X factor’ for India in the ICC tournament.

“You cannot write off Samson after the hundred he scored in the ODI match against South Africa. He is a fearless batter, a good wicketkeeper and a captaincy material. He has always performed every time he is given an opportunity. Then there is Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. There will be a big call. But I would prefer Samson because in the middle overs, he plays excellent pick-up shots. I guess IPL will also play a crucial role in the selection process but the Afghanistan series would be a big opportunity for him. He could be the X-factor for India in the World Cup,” he said.

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