Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik feels that a target of near 275 will be good for the Indian team. He also felt that they might bat for two sessions on Day 4 of the ongoing Test against New Zealand in Kanpur. Notably, Team India put up 345 runs in the first innings before restricting New Zealand within 296 runs.
However, after the end of the day’s play, Dinesh Karthik stated that India should look to test Kiwi batters in the last 40-30 minutes of Day 4 as well. He also added that Team India need to dismiss Kane Williamson and Tom Latham early as well.
READ HERE: Shaun Tait explains why speedsters struggle to bowl 150+kmph
“I think anything around 275 is a good target. Which would mean that they would need to bat two session or little more. I would like to give the Kiwis the last 45-30 mins to bat. And if they get Williamson and Latham under 100 runs, I think after that it’ll be smooth sailing for India,” Dinesh Karthik was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz Live.
He continued: “I would love to see Pujara and Rahane get runs. They definitely deserve a few runs under their belt, they’ve been batting well sometimes getting off to a good start but not converting it. But here is an opportunity for them. It’s a tough wicket but obviously their experience and the fact they can play spin well should come to the fore.”
Meanwhile, both Pujara and Rahane have not done well with the bat in recent times. Due to the poor show, they have come under the scanner too. And, former Kiwi pacer Simon Doull has stated that sides need to have some home advantage.
READ HERE: Aakash Chopra opens up on New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad
While speaking at Cricbuzz Live, he said: “I do love watching this sort of Test cricket. I’d loved to see a little more bounce from the surface perhaps. I have no issues with the pitches that turn. Around the world, you’ve got to have some home advantage. You come to New Zealand – it is greener than green. And I don’t mind that either.”
“Sides that come to India and expect anything but a turning surface, they would’ve got rocks in their head. You’ve got to adapt and play in conditions all around the world,” Doull concluded.
