I Am Not Comparing Them On Their Ability - Irfan Pathan Points Out Significant Similarities Between Dinesh Karthik And AB de Villiers

Former India spinner Irfan Pathan, who shared the field with Dinesh Karthik in India’s inaugural T20I in 2006, went into great depth about the wicketkeeper-batter on Star Sports.

Irfan made a comparison between Karthik and legendary former Proteas player AB de Villiers throughout the debate.

With his electrifying performances for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Dinesh Karthik, then 37, ignited the 2022 Indian Premier League. The wicketkeeper-batter made his first appearance for India in almost three years in the T20I series against South Africa courtesy of his outstanding performance (330 runs in 10 innings at S/R 183.33). And all during the series, Karthik put on performances that brought him praise and perhaps helped him secure a berth in the team.

During the fourth T20I of the series, the India veteran slammed his first half-century in the shortest format, smashing 55 off just 27 deliveries. It was this effort that enabled India to reach a respectable score of 169/6 in the match and ultimately secure an emphatic 82-run victory.

‘You won’t find a player with such a range’: Irfan Pathan

After the fifth and final game of the South Africa series was called off due to rain, former India spinner Irfan Pathan, who shared the field with Karthik in India’s inaugural T20I in 2006, went into great depth about the wicketkeeper-batter on Star Sports. Irfan Pathan made a comparison between Karthik and renowned former Proteas player AB de Villiers throughout the debate.

“You will not find a player with such versatility. I am not comparing him to AB de Villiers in terms of ability, but his range is comparable. He will hit you for a sweep, then a switch hit. He has complete control. He charges down the track when necessary, and yes, he prefers the leg-side. “However, the way he uses his feet to get in front of the ball is brilliant,” Irfan Pathan said.

Dinesh Karthik’s next appearance will be in the two-match T20I series against Ireland later this month. Both matches, which are scheduled for June 26 and 28, will take place in Malahide.

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