Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has backed teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to feature in India’s playing XI for the second T20I against New Zealand. Suryavanshi’s opportunity came following an injury sustained by wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, as he will miss the second game due to a low-grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series as well.

“Well, there are three choices actually India have,” Karthik said in a video uploaded on his official Instagram handle. “There is Shivam Dubey that they can bring in, Varun Chakravarthy because India has struggled with the ball a bit. The last one, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Now, if Ishan Kishan goes out, I really feel Vaibhav should come in.”

“Ideally the openers have done exceedingly well. Can he bat at three? I definitely think so,” Karthik explained. “It’s a big challenge, but he has the skill, the talent to bat outside of the powerplay. Also, they can obviously open with Vaibhav Suryavanshi and bat Sanju Samson at three. Now, these are decisions India have to take.”

READ HERE: “He is not here for the milestones” – Hanuma Vihari on Virat Kohli

Dinesh Karthik also acknowledged mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy as a strong contender for India’s bowling attack for the second T20I against New Zealand as well.

“We all know how effective he (Varun Chakravarthy) is through the middle picking of wickets,” Karthik said. “So far, India has struggled in that phase. Runs seem to go, no wickets happening. That’s a very good option as well. Shivam Dube also can be brought in. But I think more than batting, it’s India’s bowling.”

“So, the two choices that I would look at, Varun versus Vaibhav and I would tilt towards Vaibhav because of the talent, skill, most importantly, man, he’s a seriously good player,” Karthik cocnluded. “He’ll smack it if he gets a chance. There’s no doubt. Attractive to watch. And he will set world cricket ablaze, there’s no doubt about it.”