The Indian wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik to make a comeback in Test matches as a replacement for the injured wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha — for the one-off historic encounter against Afghanistan in Bengaluru from June 14.

Saha’s availability for the Test is still under unsure of his participation in the Test starting from June 14 in Bengaluru because of the injury he suffered in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 2 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 25. Saha is currently being monitored by the BCCI and is awaiting an X-ray report next week that will ascertain whether he will need surgery on his right thumb. He picked up the injury when he was struck by a Shivam Mavi bouncer during the IPL’s second qualifier.

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Talking about his injury, Saha said, “The BCCI is keeping a track of my injury on a day-to-day basis. The decision lies with them. To be honest, I might not be fit for that game. It’s not in my hands.”

According to sources close to the selection committee, MSK Prasad and his men are looking at the England tour, where Karthik could make the cut in the longest format as well. It must be mentioned that Dinesh was a surprise success when he played Test cricket in England in 2007. He had three half-centuries — 60 at Lord’s, 77 at Nottingham and 91 at the Oval.

Karthik had last played a Test match way back in 2010 against Bangladesh but has had an outstanding first-class record with 27 centuries and over 9000 runs. In 23 Tests for India, he has scored 1000 runs with a hundred and seven half-centuries.

Earlier, opener Lokesh Rahul had said that he is ready to take on the role of the gloves-man if the team demands.

Talking about his wicket-keeping abilities, Rahu said, “I am always open to the challenge of dual responsibility. I have been training hard and will take up the role if the team demands the same.”