Cricket News

Dinesh Karthik showers praise on Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid after bagging Man of the Match award in the first T20I against West Indies

Dinesh Karthik has had a stellar comeback into national colours and that was due to an outstanding Indian T20 League season in the recently concluded 2022 edition for the Bangalore side. Karthik aced the finishing role to perfection and was responsible for constructing big totals for the team and also helping them out in run chases.

It was no different yesterday for him in national colours at the Brian Lara stadium in Trinidad. He also went on to say that continuous backing of the team management is needed given the vital role of the finisher is assigned to him in T20I cricket.

Karthik showed that he was worth his weight in gold when he bailed the side out of trouble in a counter-attacking partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin. Karthik bludgeoned the West Indian bowlers into submission in his cracking innings of 41 off 19 balls, which had a strike rate of 213. It also earned him a player of the match award.

With his cracking innings, Karthik also brightened his chance of being considered for the finisher’s role in the India squad for the ICC T20 World  Cup in Australia later this year. Karthik, who was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his effort, conceded that initially it was tough to adjust to the “sticky” pitch on Friday evening, but once he understood the pace of the wicket at the Brian Lara Stadium, things became smooth and easy.

“The wicket was a little sticky. Was not a good wicket to start on but once set, you got the pace of the wicket and you realised what kind of shots you can play,” said Karthik.

Karthik said he was enjoying the finisher’s role and also hailed Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik for backing him to the hilt.

“I have been enjoying it a lot… it is a very interesting role. It is not something that you can be very consistent with but on some days, you can make an impact on the team. You need the backing of the captain and coach and I have got that in abundance,” added Karthik.

“Assessing the wicket is important. On any given day, the last three-four overs that you bat, you need to be aware of a lot of things such as the shape of the ball, the softness of the ball, the wicket, and then you need to decide. These are a little bit of things and that comes with a little bit of practice,” Karthik added.