Ravi Shastri on Dinesh Karthik’s likelihood to cement his place: India want a wicketkeeper who will play MS Dhoni’s function

Dinesh Karthik made his comeback to the Indian limited-overs staff after performing effectively for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2022.

Dinesh Karthik of India. Courtesy: Reuters

HIGHLIGHTSKarthik made a comeback to the Indian staff after 3 yearsKarthik final performed within the 2019 World Cup semi-finalKarthik was glorious for RCB in IPL 2022

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that Dinesh Karthik has a golden likelihood of cementing his place as a finisher within the limited-overs staff through the five-match T20I sequence towards South Africa. Karthik was excellent for the Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) within the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL).

On the again of his performances for the Challengers, the 36-year-old Karthik discovered his method again into the nationwide staff after a spot of three years. Shastri clearly stated that Indian cricket wants somebody who has the potential to complete video games off for his or her groups, much like what MS Dhoni did.

“This is his opportunity. If and when he gets an opportunity in these games, he has to do it with India colours on. We know he has got the experience, so this becomes extremely vital,” Shastri was quoted as saying on Star Sports.

“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,” he acknowledged.

CHANCE FOR KARTHIK

“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 there aren’t too many finishers now with MS (Dhoni) having quit. So, I think that’s where his chances are very very good,” Shastri added.

Karthik final performed for the Indian cricket staff within the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup towards New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester. In IPL 2022, Karthik scored 330 runs from 16 matches at a median of 55 and a strike-rate of 183.33 with a high rating of an unbeaten 66.

The T20I sequence towards South Africa is ready to begin on Thursday, June 6 with the primary match on the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.