Will Dinesh Karthik be India’s finisher? Rahul Dravid clarifies
India are gearing up to face South Africa in a five T20I match series at home starting on 9 June 2022. The men in blue will look to extend their winning streak to 13 matches while South Africa will look to prepare well for the upcoming mega event later this year.
Both teams announced their respective squads earlier. While India rested some players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, they opted for some new young ones. Players like Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh were called up to the squad. However, veteran players like Dinesh Karthik and Hardik Pandya also made a comeback to the squad for their outstanding performance in this year’s Indian T20 League.
Now, the current head coach of India, Rahul Dravid, clarified the role for Dinesh Karthik as he wants him to score some crucial runs at the back end of the innings. This wicket-keeper batter had a great season for his Bangalore franchise as he scored 330 runs in 16 innings at an average of 55.00 with a strike rate of 183.33.
Rahul Dravid on Dinesh Karthik: With Dinesh, it is clear with the role. At the backend of the game, he can make a difference. That's why he has been picked, to bat in those positions and deliver for India as well.#INDvSA
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) June 7, 2022
Despite batting down the order, he managed to hit 27 boundaries and 22 sixes in the back-end overs of innings. Coming to the crease, his instant six-hitting abilities propelled him to single-handedly win several games for the Bangalore-based franchise. Several times, he helped Bangalore in positing competitive totals and he was instrumental in guiding the franchise to the Qualifier 2 of the tournament.
“At the backend of the game, he can make a difference.” – Rahul Dravid
Dravid clarified his role by stating that he can make a difference in the last few overs of the game and that is the reason, he was picked for this series. He said: “With Dinesh, it is clear with the role. At the backend of the game, he can make a difference. That’s why he has been picked, to bat in those positions and deliver for India as well.”
Speaking about his career, in 26 T20I innings, he has scored 399 runs at an average of 33.25. He will be in action against the Proteas in this series if he gets chosen for the playing XI.
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