Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra said that IPL 2024 presents Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson with a great opportunity to seal his place in India’s T20 World Cup squad. However, the Indian selectors and team management might need a middle-order wicketkeeper-batter for the mega event. The likes of Samson, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jitesh Sharma, and Dhruv Jurel might
be in the race for that spot.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “There are many opportunities. Yashasvi Jaiswal has the opportunity to win the Orange Cap. Jos Buttler has the opportunity to show his dominance once again. Sanju Samson has the opportunity to be selected for the T20 World Cup, and the same can be said about Dhruv Jurel.”
ALSO READ: Kirti Azad welcomes BCCI’s new directive in central contract
“This (RR) is a team where there is a competition between two players for a spot for the T20 World Cup. An opener will not go. So Ishan Kishan is there as an opener keeper, but he will not go. Rishabh Pant is available now. However, it doesn’t mean that he will straightaway be selected for the T20 World Cup,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra also acknowledged that neither of the two Royals wicketkeepers might eventually be picked for the T20 World Cup squad as well. However, he also added that Dhruv Jurel has an incredible opportunity if it’s a direct entry as he bats in the lower-middle order as well. He also commented on Yuzvendra Chahal’s future as well.
READ ALSO: Michael Vaughan praises Team India after series win over England
“It’s an opportunity for Yuzi Chahal. He has fallen off the radar totally. So he would want to make the most of this opportunity – ‘If I make this IPL my own, how will you ignore me’? So it’s a great opportunity for Yuzi. Avesh Khan has been in and out (of the Indian team), but this is once again a great opportunity. Last but not the least, and maybe the most important bit – Riyan Parag. It’s a make-or-break year for him. If his this year is not good, Rajasthan will leave him out before next year’s big auction,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
