Former Team India cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath said that the national selectors should overlook veteran keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik while picking the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup as well. However, Karthik has made a strong case for himself with stunning performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as well.
The cricketer-turned-commentator said while speaking on the Star Sports Press Room, “See, if you’re going to pick Dinesh Karthik, you have to play him in the XI for all the matches. The question is does the XI in Team India have room for a player like Dinesh Karthik? Because let me be honest, he’s in the twilight of his career. So I think he’s probably not going to be useful if you’re just going to keep him in the squad. And it’s not the right way to go. I would rather go for a youngster. But if you’re certain that he’s the finisher you want, that if he’s going to play in the XI, I will select him.”
“But then in the finisher role, there are many options who have gone ahead. I think Hardik Pandya, will be there in XI. And that category is very, very rare. You don’t have an Indian all-rounder. So probably he’ll be there. And looking at Jadeja, he’s also a finisher. He’s done well. Rinku Singh has been phenomenal. So will DK get ahead of all these players? I see Rishabh Pant there as well as a keeper. So probably, it’s about the position that you have to see,” he again added.
However, he is the second-highest run-getter for RCB this season. The 38-year-old has smashed 251 runs in seven innings at an amazing
strike rate of 196.09. It is worth mentioning that Karthik’s stunning batting exploits in 2022 helped him make the cut in the India squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia.
“If the selectors think that Dinesh Karthik is better than all of these players, go ahead with him. Stay with him throughout the tournament. Give him one last go. I have as much respect for Dinesh Karthik, but it’s time to look forward. Go with Rishabh Pant and Rinku Singh. They deserve a chance,” Badrinath concluded.
