Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has opined that Dinesh Karthik should play the finisher role for the Indian team in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. Karthik was in splendid form in the recently concluded Tata IPL 2022 while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The veteran right-hander scored 330 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 55 and a blistering strike rate of 183.33. Karthik has all the experience under his belt and he will look to grab his opportunity in the series against the Proteas.
The right-hander from Tamil Nadu has certainly improved his game in the recent past and the same was palpable in the IPL. In fact, Karthik had last played for the national team back in 2019 against Australia in the T20I format but he was able to make it into the team after his impressive performances in the IPL despite turning 37 recently.
Karthik has been consistent in the last few years in the IPL and he will certainly look to grab his chances for the national team. Shastri wants Karthik to play MS Dhoni’s role for India as the former Indian skipper won a lot of matches while batting at number five and six.
“This is his opportunity. If and when he gets an opportunity in these games, he has to do it with India colors on. We know he has got the experience, so this becomes extremely vital,” said Shastri on Star Sports.
India is expected to play Rishabh Pant as their first-choice wicket-keeper and the left-hander is also expected to bat in the top order.
“You have to see from the team’s point of view, what are they looking for? Do they want a keeper who will bat at the top of the order or do they want a keeper who will be the finisher? I will go for the latter. You need a keeper who will do MS Dhoni’s role, let’s put it that way.” ”
There is already Rishabh Pant who can bat in the top four or five in T20 cricket but you want someone who can keep and finish a game because they aren’t too many finishers now with MS (Dhoni) having quit. So I think that’s where his chances are very very good,” he said.
The first T20I between India and South Africa will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on June 9.
