Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has backed Rishabh Pant ahead of Sanju Samson in India’s playing XI for the T20 World Cup. Gambhir reasoned that Pant bats in the middle order in the IPL whereas Samson bats at one down for Rajasthan Royals.

As India’s top-order is packed with Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli are expected to be India’s top three batters, thus either Pant or Samson will get their respective opportunities in the middle order.

While Samson has scored 486 runs in 12 matches of IPL 2024, Pant amassed 446 runs in 13 matches after making a comeback to action. However, Pant could not bring his best against the spinners in the IPL as he is striking around 120.

“Both have equal quality. Sanju has amazing quality, and even Rishabh has amazing quality. If I had to pick, I’d probably pick Rishabh Pant because he is a natural middle-order batter. Sanju, if you see in IPL, he has batted at number three. Rishabh has batted at number five, six and seven I think,” Gambhir said on Sportskeeda Cricket Match ki Baat.

“Looking at Team India’s combination, we need the wicketkeeper in that position and not in the top order. So I’d start with Rishabh Pant. Plus, he is a left-hander in the middle-order, which gives you a left-hand-right-hand combination,” he added.

Gambhir said if the team management feels Samson can play the finisher role, they should back him.

“But again, if they see that Sanju can score more runs at number six or seven, they could go with him as well,” Gambhir concluded.

On being asked if India will pick both wicketkeepers in the final XI, Gambhir said, “I don’t think so. I think only one out of those two will play, and whoever plays, the team management should back him. If Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson do not perform in one or two matches, do not criticize them or say that replace them. Whoever plays, I think we should back that player.”

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5.