NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter
Dinesh Karthik
once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the best finishers in the world. Karthik blasted an explosive 83 off 35 balls as RCB posted 262 runs while chasing a target of 287 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Although his efforts didn't lead RCB to victory, the experienced batter's finishing skills have once again sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in India's
T20 World Cup
squad, which is set to be announced soon.
Not just against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Karthik was at his majestic best against Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians when he smoked an unbeaten 53 off just 23. But RCB lost that match as well.
Watching Karthik's onslaught during the match, Mumbai Indians star batsman and Team India captain
Rohit Sharma
was heard playfully teasing Karthik on the stump mic.
"Shabash DK! T20 World Cup mein selection ke liye push karna hai isko. Dimagh mein chal raha hai iske World Cup. (Well done DK! He is pushing for a spot in the T20 World Cup. His mind is occupied with the thought of the World Cup)," Rohit was heard saying on the field while Karthik was batting.
Can Dinesh Karthik's finishing skills fetch him WC ticket?
Karthik has played seven matches and six innings in the tournament so far, scoring 226 runs at an impressive strike rate of 205.45 and an average of 75.33. The 38-year-old has hit 16 fours and 18 sixes so far.
As the 2024 edition of the tournament approaches, scheduled to begin on June 2 in the US and the West Indies, Karthik's name is again making the rounds, thanks to his impressive batting performance in this IPL.
Karthik was a key part of the winning Indian teams in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He also participated in the
ICC T20 World Cup
in 2022 but managed to score only 14 runs in four appearances.
Will the 38-year-old Karthik make the journey for the T20 World Cup?
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes Karthik has been given ample opportunities, suggesting that the selectors should consider Rishabh Pant for the major tournament instead of the 38-year-old.
"He is in great form. But at the same time, Indian cricket has tried Dinesh Karthik before and it didn't work for them. So they have the right guy at the moment who is in form, which is Rishabh Pant. As far as the wicketkeeping is concerned, as far as the middle order is concerned, he is amazing. I am sure selectors will be on the same page as well," Irfan, who is a cricket expert and commentator on Star Sports Press Room, told TimesofIndia.com.
"They want to take someone like Rishabh Pant rather than thinking about Dinesh Karthik. He had his fair share of chances when it comes to playing for India. Unfortunately, in the last T20 World Cup, he didn't do that great whenever he got the opportunity. I feel Rishabh Pant is the guy we should take in that place," Irfan said.
India will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland in New York.
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