Dinesh Karthik
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

With Wriddhiman Saha all but out of the One-off Test against Afghanistan, Dinesh Karthik is reportedly in line to don the wicketkeeping-gloves during the historic Test.

According to recent media reports, the MSK Prasad-led selection panel is looking at the England tour, where Karthik could make the cut in the longest format also.

Saha, the only recognised gloveman in India’s squad for the Test, is currently recovering from the thumb injury which he sustained while playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He recently admitted that his chances of playing in the game are very bleak.

“It’s not in my hands. Personally, I feel I might not get fit in time,” Saha recently told reporters.

 

“A Mumbai-based doctor who is in touch with me will take a call after examining the X-Ray in a few days. I don’t know the exact situation. The doctor will decide,” he added.

Wriddhiman Saha

With Saha looking more than unlikely to play the game, Karthik could make a return to the longest format of the game.

The Tamil Nadu-based Karthik last played a Test match way back in 2010. Karthik had donned the gloves during the Johannesburg Test against South Africa earlier this year.

However, he had come on as a substitute to keep wickets in place of an injured Parthiv Patel on day four.

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Patel is also in contention but reports are suggesting that Karthik is the front-runner to replace Saha.

Karthik has been in sizzling form this year. He had starred in the Nidahas Trophy final, slamming 29 off just eight balls – to guide India to a thrilling win over Bangladesh.

The right-hander followed it up with a stunning show in the IPL. He finished the season with 498 runs at an average of almost 50 and a strike-rate of over 147.

Dinesh Karthik Mumbai Indians Kolkata Knight Riders
Credits: BCCI

Moreover, a good show against Afghanistan can also put him in pole position for the England Tests.

Dinesh Karthik had shone during the tour of England in 2007. He had three half-centuries — 60 at Lord’s, 77 at Nottingham and 91 at the Oval.

Meanwhile, the one-off Test against Afghanistan will get underway on June 14 in Bengaluru.

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