NEW DELHI: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has issued a compelling call for a strategic selection change ahead of the fifth and final T20 International against New Zealand. Patel is strongly advocating for the team management to favor Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson as India ramps up its preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Patel's Clear Preference for Kishan
Speaking on JioHotstar, Patel left no room for ambiguity regarding his selection stance. "If I was part of Team India's think tank, I would play Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson for the last match of the series," he stated firmly. "I would make Sanju sit out and go with Ishan as the wicketkeeper-batter." This direct recommendation comes at a critical juncture, with the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon.
Contrasting Form of the Two Wicketkeepers
The rationale behind Patel's argument is rooted in the starkly contrasting performances of the two players in the ongoing series. Sanju Samson's struggles have persisted, with another modest outing in the fourth T20I adding to a concerning sequence of low scores. Across four innings, Samson has managed a mere 40 runs, including a 24 in the recent match that failed to propel India during a challenging 216-run chase.
In sharp contrast, Ishan Kishan has made a highly impressive return to international cricket after an absence of nearly two-and-a-half years. Kishan has amassed 112 runs in just three matches, displaying ominous form. His recent success follows a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, where he led Jharkhand to their maiden title, further bolstering his credentials.
World Cup Preparation as the Central Theme
Patel emphasized that if Kishan is indeed being considered as India's primary wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup, he should be entrusted with the responsibility without delay. "If I want Ishan as my main keeper for the T20 World Cup, I would give him the keeping gloves in the fifth T20I and the warm-up against South Africa too," he explained. This approach, according to Patel, would provide Kishan with crucial match practice and confidence ahead of the global tournament.
Selection Complexity and Squad Balance
The former cricketer also highlighted the impending return of Tilak Varma from injury, which is expected to add another layer of complexity to selection decisions. "It is likely that Tilak Varma will be fit before the World Cup, and reports suggest he will be. If he is fully fit, you have to keep a spot for him," Patel noted. He argued that if such a decision is inevitable, there is no reason to postpone it. "So, if that decision is coming, why wait? Play Ishan Kishan now over Sanju Samson in the final match."
Scrutiny Over Kishan's Benching
Despite Kishan's compelling form, he was surprisingly benched for the fourth T20I, a move that has attracted considerable scrutiny with the World Cup fast approaching. Patel questioned this decision, pointing out, "Ishan is coming back after two years and has batted well. He will need to keep wickets in the T20 World Cup as well, so why not start now?" This sentiment underscores the urgency of integrating key players into their intended roles well in advance of the marquee event.
India, having already secured the five-match series with a 3-1 lead, will face New Zealand in the series finale on Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram. This match presents a final opportunity for the team management to experiment and solidify their combinations before the T20 World Cup campaign begins.
