Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Dinesh Karthik can perform the MS Dhoni-type finisher’s role for Team India at the T20 World Cup later this year. Karthik has earned a recall to the Indian team for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa after his stunning performances for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2022. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter smashed 330 runs in the tournament at an excellent average of 55.00 and a stunning strike rate of 183.33 as well.

During an interaction on the Star Sports show Game Plan, Ravi Shastri shared his views on this. He responded: “You have to see from the team’s point of view, what are they looking for? Do they want a keeper who will bat at the top of the order or do they want a keeper who will be the finisher? I will go for the latter. You need a keeper who will do MS Dhoni’s role, let’s put it that way.”

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The former India head coach again shared: “There is already Rishabh Pant who can bat in the top four or five in T20 cricket but you want someone who can keep and finish a game because they aren’t too many finishers now with MS (Dhoni) having quit. So I think that’s where his chances are very very good.”

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However, Ravi Shastri stated that Dinesh Karthik will have to showcase his credentials in the T20Is against South Africa for him to be in the team as well. He observed: “This is his opportunity. If and when he gets an opportunity in these games, he has to do it with India colors on. We know he has got the experience, so this becomes extremely vital.”