Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has picked Sanju Samson ahead of Rishabh Pant as India’s second wicket-keeper for Champions Trophy. Samson has been picked in India’s T20I squad for the five-match T20I series against England and he is expected to play ahead of Dhruv Jurel, the second wicket-keeper.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul has been India’s first-choice wicket-keeper in the 50-overs version and the Karnataka batter is expected to bat at number five in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

On the other hand, Sanju Samson has delivered consistent performances in the T20I format under Gautam Gambhir and it will be interesting to note if selectors back him in ODIs. 

Rishabh Pant, who has not been picked for England T20Is, recently scored 255 runs in five Test matches against Australia at an average of 28.33. Pant has scored 1209 runs in 76 T20Is at an average of 23.25 and thus he doesn’t have a great T20I record.

Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube Channel, “I think one among Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant should be picked. I think Sanju should be preferred because he had played in South Africa. Rishabh Pant played so well in Australia but it was a long tour so if he is rested, it’s not a big thing.”

Sanju Samson has scored 510 runs in 16 ODIs at an impressive average of 56.66 but he has received sporadic chances in the 50-overs format.

Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, has amassed 871 runs in 31 ODIs at an average of 33.5.

The first T20I between India and England will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on January 22.