Dinesh Karthik was arguably the top finisher in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. With a total of 210 in eight matches, while hitting in the lower ranks, he was the most impactful player of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His consistent performances and powerful big hits have led to speculation that the 36-year-old will make a comeback to the Indian cricket team with the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia later this year. His success rate of 200.00 in the IPL 2022 so far has led many to believe that he will be the ideal candidate for the role of finisher in the Indian team.
However, former India player Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Karthik has many other questions to answer before such a call can be taken.
“Only if he keeps his current form. I’m going to be a little more pragmatic. We’re about halfway through this IPL. Let’s wait until the end of the competition and see if the form is still intact. If you say we want DK in the team , you want a man out,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.
“But when I look at the incumbents, it’s hard to get into India’s Playing XI. Because he’s only looking at the number 5,6,7 spots. He’s not one to beat the order… that’s going to be not considered I think. He will have to replace Rishabh Pant. We will have to start watching Hardik Pandya vs Dinesh Karthik. It will not be easy,” he added.
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But former India coach Ravi Shastri said Karthik should be given a chance.
“Well, the way he plays, he has an absolute chance. Why not? He’s in shape, with the amount of cricket being played these days, you never know when someone might get injured. The way he’s playing now, India needs a finisher and he could make the side.Of course Rishabh Pant would be your first wicketkeeper but on tour you might need three.With COVID you might need three keepers.He definitely has a big chance, he knocks on that door, he’s just waiting to kick it open,” Shastri said on ESPNcricinfo’s “Run-Order.”
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