Amid the debate over which keeper-batter should India go with, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu batted for both stars to be included in the XI. Both Pant and Samson were picked in the squad after stellar IPL stints with their respective franchises. Speaking exclusively to InsideSport, Ambati Rayudu asserted that it would be India’s advantage to have both stars in the line-up, given the conditions and the form of the duo.
Rayudu wants Samson-Pant duo in India’s XI for IND vs IRE
“Yeah, looking at the conditions, I feel we should pick both of them. Sanju because he has been batting brilliantly at 3. So, according to the over number, you can send whoever is apt for that moment. But definitely you can go in with Virat and Rohit to open Sanju at 3 and Surya at 4 and Rishabh at 5, Hardik at 6 and then Jadeja and Akshar. So, I feel this will give you balance both in terms of batting as well as bowling,” Ambati Rayudu told InsideSport in an exclusive chat, arranged by Disney+Hotstar.
Sanju Samson failed to fire in the warm-up game against Bangladesh after he was dismissed cheaply as he opened with Rohit Sharma. Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, cemented his place in India’s XI with a scintillating half-century that saw the southpaw turn the clock back. However, Rayudu reckons that the ability to have a deep batting order, that comprises of skilled all-rounders as well, would be an asset for India.
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Sanju Samson had his best IPL season ever so far, finishing with 531 runs to his name that puts him on the 5th spot in the list of highest run-scorers. The Kerala batter proved why he was the right pick for India in the T20 WC squad with commendable and consistent performances that helped RR dominate majority of IPL 2024.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant had a great outing as well in IPL 2024, surprising many with his technique and big hitting ability despite making a comeback after a nightmare accident. He amassed 446 runs in 13 innings for DC, turning back the clock to showcase his ability with both bat and the gloves.
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