‘Unbelievable Test player, but Rishabh Pant hasn't quite done it in white-ball format’ - Simon Doull opens up on Pant-Samson debate

One of the much-talked-about debate in Indian cricket has been about the wicketkeeper slot in limited-overs format. In the T20 World Cup 2022, India tried out the veteran Dinesh Karthik for the first half of the tournament and then switched back to Rishabh Pant in the last two games. Both failed to make an impact at crucial stages, however, the selectors continued with Pant for the New Zealand series which hasn't been fruitful yet.

Although Pant has played some incredible knocks in the Test format, his ODI credentials are yet to be unleashed on the international stages despite getting a lot of opportunities. On the other hand, Samson has endured a purple patch in ODIs and has played some eye-catching innings in the recent past. However, Samson was sacrificed in the second ODI in Hamilton for the balance of the side which did not go well among the experts. 

Don't think Samson is any less of a wicketkeeper: Simon Doull 

Speaking on the debate, former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull felt that Pant’s numbers aren't impressive in the ODI format barring his blazing century against England in July. He further noted that Samson’s average has been phenomenal in recent times and added that Samson deserves a lot more chances too. 

"Rishabh Pant's record is a decent sample size. He has played just under 30 games and only averages 35, the strike rate is good. But Sanju in 11 games is averaging 60 something. And I don't think he is any less of a wicketkeeper. I just think he deserves an opportunity as well," Doull told in a Cricbuzz video. 

"The Rishabh Pant vs Sanju Samson debate is an interesting one for me. There is so much talk about Rishabh Pant, and how he is the future. But in white-ball formats, he hasn't quite done it. Unbelievable Test player, and he is a shoe-in in Tests as the wicketkeeper-batter, no issue with that? But is he the best white-ball keeper batter? I am not convinced," he added.