IND vs AFG: Dinesh Karthik Achieves a Unique Record
Published - 14 Jun 2018, 12:25 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:09 AM
Indian Cricket team wicket-keeper batsmen Dinesh Karthik, who returned to the Test team after a gap of eight years made an unusual record as he made it to the first XI against Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan became the 12th Test playing nation as they embark on a new journey. It is only fitting that they start on their maiden Test journey in a country where they have found support and cricket residence with most of their training camps held at a facility in Greater Noida.
However, India led by Ajinkya Rahane has opted to bat first after winning the toss. In a surprising move, KL Rahul will bat at the No 5 position with no Karun Nair in the first XI. Moreover, they have gone with the predicted bowling line-up with two seamers and two pacers combination.
It will be an enthralling five-days of cricket match as the Afghans will try to wreck a havoc against the top-ranked team. On the other hand, India will look to complete their preparations for the upcoming UK tour.
Karthik achieves unique feat
The wicket-keeper batsman from Tamil Nadu replaced Wriddhiman Saha in the Test squad. Saha, who sustained an injury in the IPL failed to recover completely from the thumb injury.
Karthik comes to the team on the back of some strong performances in the IPL and the Nidahas Trophy. However, in doing so, he achieves an unusual feat breaking his colleague Parthiv Patel’s record.
Previously, Patel had the record of missing the most Test matches (83) between his last Test and comeback match. However, Karthik overtakes him as he missed 87 Tests in the period over eight years.
Dinesh Karthik makes a comeback to the Test team after 8 years. He's missed 87 Tests in this period – the most for any India player.