Harbhajan Singh has thrown his weight behind Sanju Samson as India’s wicketkeeper for the 2024 T20 World Cup, saying “there shouldn’t be any debate” about the call.

The 2024 T20 World Cup starts on June 2, within a week of the conclusion of IPL 2024. One of the most hotly debated questions ahead of the mega event is who would be India’s wicketkeeping options. Rishabh Pant, whom the BCCI secretary backed for a T20 World Cup spot before IPL 2024, is one of the frontrunners, with Samson close on his heels. Among others, Dinesh Karthik, who has enjoyed a stellar run in IPL 2024 so far, is also in contention for an international return.

Harbhajan backed Samson to make India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad and insisted India should groom him as their future captain in the shortest format. He also lauded Yashasvi Jaiswal for his 60-ball 104 not out, which helped Rajasthan Royals gun down Mumbai Indians’ 179 comfortably on Monday (April 22).

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s knock is a proof of class is permanent . Form is temporary @ybj_19 and there shouldn’t be any debate about Keepar batsman . @IamSanjuSamson should walks in to the Indian team for T20 worldcup and also groomed as a next T20 captain for india after rohit . koi…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 22, 2024

Samson has had a stellar run in the ongoing IPL season so far. He has been Rajasthan Royals’ second-highest run-scorer with 314 runs at 62.80 and 152.42, including three fifties. Against Lucknow Super Giants in their season opener, he notched up an unbeaten 82 off 52 to start the campaign on a winning note.

He has impressed with his captaincy too, securing seven wins for Rajasthan in eight matches so far. With a Net Run Rate (NRR), they are currently at the top of the points table and are favourites to make the playoffs.

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