Sanju Samson vs Rishabh Pant in T20s: Decoding the stats
India's squad for the upcoming 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, which gets under on June 1, will reportedly be announced on April 30. There has been a lot of debate regarding the wicket-keeper's spot with numerous prominent names being in contention. As per reports, one of Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant will be chosen as India's first-choice gloveman. Let's decode their T20 stats.
Pant reportedly edges over Samson
Both Samson and Pant, who are leading Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, respectively, have been impressive in the ongoing 2024 IPL. As per NDTV, Pant is slightly ahead in the race as he has been a proven performer for India. Notably, the 2024 IPL marked his return to professional cricket after 14 months as he met a deadly car accident in December 2022.
A look at their T20 stats
Having played 190 T20 games, Pant currently boasts 4,752 runs at 32.10 with 145.9 being his strike rate. The southpaw owns 25 fifties besides a couple of tons (Catches: 118, Stumpings: 32). Samson, meanwhile, is a more experienced campaigner, having registered 6,575 runs in 266 T20s at 29.35. His strike rate reads 134.65 (Catches: 135, Stumpings: 30).
How they have fared in India colors?
Pant's consistency in T20Is has been a subject of debate. The southpaw has slammed 987 runs from 66 T20Is at 22.43. His strike rate reads 126.37. The tally includes three half-centuries, 27 catches, and nine stumpings. Samson has also not impressed in T20Is, having scored just 374 in 25 games at 18.70 (50: 1). He strikes at 133.09 in the format.
Pant scores over Samson in IPL
Samson has collected 4,273 IPL runs in 161 games at 30.96 (50s: 24, 100s: 3). His strike rate is just under 140 in the tournament (139.04). Pant pips Samson in terms of IPL strike rate as he boasts 3,236 runs in 109 matches at a tremendous strike rate of 149.33. He also owns a better average than Samson (35.56).
Exceptional run in IPL 2024
Both Pant and Samson have been exceptional in IPL 2024. The former has tallied 398 runs across 11 games at a tremendous average and strike rate of 44.22 and 158.56, respectively (50s: 3). Samson's stats are even more impressive this year as he has mustered 385 runs across nine outings at 77, having returned unbeaten four times (50s: 4). His strike rate is 161.08.
Author's verdict: Pant should get the nod over Samson
Pant should be India's first-choice keeper for the WC as he has excelled while batting at number four in IPL 2024. Samson has been batting at three, a spot which has contenders like Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli in Team India. Moreover, the left-handed batter has rescued DC from several top-order collapses this year. He has been a part of two previous T20 WCs.
