Dinesh Karthik Is Lucky That He Is Born In India: Salman Butt

Salman Butt, a former cricketer for Pakistan, commended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for selecting Dinesh Karthik, 37, while sharply criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

He believes that due to his advanced age, the latter would not have been able to play even domestic cricket in Pakistan. The declaration follows Karthik’s outstanding performance against West Indies in the first T20I on Friday.

Youngsters Are Playing Well For India: Salman Butt

“Luckily, Dinesh Karthik is born in India. At his age, he can’t even play domestic cricket in Pakistan,” Salman Butt said on his youtube video.

Butt went on to say that the Indian cricket team is “damn” serious about building up their bench. He believes that performers like Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav have begun to deliver on the largest platform.

“Youngsters are playing very well for India. They are damn serious about their bench strength for years to come. They have constructed an amazing team. Shubman Gill was quite impressive [in ODIs]; Dinesh Karthik is playing as a finisher [in T20Is].

“The batsmen in between like Suryakumar Yadav improving day by day, and Shreyas Iyer is available. Arshdeep Singh is bowling well. Overall, there is plenty of talent.”

The former Pakistani captain also commented on Pakistan’s bowling unit by stating that the team’s lack of suitable pace bowlers prevents Shaheen Afridi from having the proper company. Due to a knee injury, the latter missed the second Test against Sri Lanka. Pakistan was defeated by 246 runs in the match.

He emphasises that pace alone won’t enough and believes that no player is capable of bowling the proper line and length. He urged the management of the Pakistan side to give the new speedsters opportunities to bowl with the new ball.

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