Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma What started as a test during the final games of the Australian tour is now looking more like a direction. The selection of Jitesh Sharma ahead of Sanju Samson in the first T20I against South Africa offered a clear insight into how the team management is shaping its plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup.The choice is hard to challenge. With Shubman Gill back in the T20 setup, Samson was forced out of the top order and has since found it difficult to break into the playing XI. In this context, the think tank seems to have gone with the option of a lower order used to finishing games rather than a top order batsman adapting to a different role.
Suryakumar Yadav press conference: on T20 game plan for South Africa Sanju, Dube and India
Jitesh, who sees finishing as his main job, is now all set to start in the World Cup if his form does not drop drastically in the remaining series against South Africa and New Zealand. At the moment, the wicketkeeping slot seems to be a direct contest between Jitesh and Samson, leaving little room for alternatives.Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta endorsed the challenge, saying, “It’s the right challenge. If Sanju is not in the top three and if the keeper is batting in the middle order, you’d rather play a specialist, lower-order batsman than a top-order batsman. It’s not easy to bat two balls or four balls.”“Jitesh is a specialist in this regard,” Dasgupta was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.Looking ahead, Dasgupta added, “Nine matches to go (before the World Cup), I don’t see too many changes before the T20 World Cup,” underscoring the sense of stability in the current set-up.Arsh or Kul: Only one deep can playThe team’s selection in Cuttack also highlighted another trade-off. If India want batting depth at No.8, it will be difficult to include Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav in the XI.During the Asia Cup in the UAE, Arshdeep, despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in the format, spent most of his time on the bench. He played three matches in Australia and made his presence felt again against South Africa where he picked up the lead as a forward. His ability to bowl at the death is undoubtedly a key asset for the Indian team in T20 cricket.However, his inclusion came at the cost of Kuldeep, who picked up wickets in the ODI series even in heavy dews.Dasgupta recognized the dilemma. “It’s unfortunate (picking between Arshdeep and Kuldeep). The way Arshdeep bowls (you have to pick him). He’s the top wicket for you in the format,” he told PTI.“Ideally you’d like to have both, but you can’t (with batting needed until 8),” he said.Overall, the team looks settled heading into the World Cup, but there are areas to watch. From captain Suryakumar Yadav, the runs were no different and vice-captain Gill also had a lean phase.As for the senior batsmen, he added: “(on SKY and Gill) I wouldn’t say I’m scared, but ideally you’d like to see them run. Once you start thinking about running, chances are you’re not going to bat freely.“It’s not one series with Surya, we haven’t seen the best of him since he took over as captain (last year).
