Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the national selectors will consider Dinesh Karthik for India’s T20 World Cup squad only if he maintains his current form in the second phase of the Indian Premier League.
Karthik has been providing the finishing touches for RCB in the ongoing season as he has scored 210 runs in eight matches at an average of 105 and a strike rate of 200.
Manjrekar feels it is not going to be easy for Dinesh Karthik to find a place in the playing XI as he is competing for the number 5, 6, and 7 slot. Karthik will be competing with the likes of Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, who are expected to get selected. Pant has been backed as the first choice wicket-keeper whereas Pandya will also provide the bowling option to Rohit Sharma.
Thus, Dinesh Karthik needs to continue batting in a similar fashion to make a case for himself in the T20 World Cup squad.
“Only if he maintains his current form. I am going to be a little more pragmatic. We are just about halfway through this IPL. Let’s wait till the end of the league and see if the form is still intact. When you say we want DK in the team, you want a guy out,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.
“But when I’m looking at the incumbents, it’s tough to get into India’s Playing XI. Because he’s looking only at No. 5,6,7 spots. He’s not someone who can bat up the order… that’s not being considered I think. He will have to displace Rishabh Pant. We will have to start looking at Hardik Pandya vs Dinesh Karthik. It’s not going to be easy,” he added.
Manjrekar reckons Hardik Pandya will be necessary as he can deliver with both bat and ball. India is expected to back Yuzvendra Chahal as he is bowling brilliantly while Ravindra Jadeja could be the backup spinner.
“But when I’m looking at the incumbents, it’s tough to get into India’s Playing XI. Because he’s looking only at No. 5,6,7 spots. He’s not someone who can bat up the order… that’s not being considered I think. He will have to displace Rishabh Pant. We will have to start looking at Hardik Pandya vs Dinesh Karthik. It’s not going to be ease,” he added.
India has a lot of options and all these players will look to continue their good form in the second leg of the IPL to make a case for themselves in the T20 World Cup.
