Kevin Pietersen reveals one Indian star who needs to be in the T20 World Cup squad without fail, says 'he is one of my first picks'

Former England star batter Kevin Pietersen strongly advocated for Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson to be named in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Samson has been in stunning form with the bat and playing the best cricket of his career. The most notable aspect of Samson's resurgence has been the sheer consistency with which the right-handed batter has scored runs be it in any situation of the match.

Samson has been equally good while batting first while his ability to plan a run chase and execute his gameplan has been refreshing to watch.

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Pietersen believes that if he was a selector, he would pick Samson as one of his first picks in the Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

"He has to go. There's no doubt in my mind that he has to be on that airplane to the Caribbean and the USA in a couple of weeks," Pietersen told Star Sports.  

"He is doing a lot with the pressure that he is also under as a captain and not being given higher honours. The way he scores runs and the situation he bats in, if I was the selector, he is one of my first picks," he added.

Samson second in race for the Orange Cap

The RR captain Sanju Samson is currently second in the leading run-scorers list in the ongoing season of the cash-rich tournament. Samson has scored 385 runs in nine matches at a sizzling strike rate of 161.09 and an average of 77. The stylish right-handed batter has smashed 36 fours and 17 sixes in the IPL 2024 season so far. Samson has been impressive with the gloves behind the stumps as well.  

Samson has made a strong case for his selection in the World Cup squad, which is scheduled to be announced soon.

 

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