ICC T20 World Cup 2022: 'Dinesh Karthik Needs A Little More Game Time'- Rohit Sharma On Veteran Ahead Of T20 World Cup

Before the squad travels to Australia for the T20 World Cup later this month, India captain Rohit Sharma wants to give wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik more time in the middle.

In their starting XI, India has alternated between Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant. Karthik was selected for all three games against Australia, despite the fact that the youthful goalkeeper had the nod over the seasoned player in the Asia Cup. 

Dinesh Karthik Hardly Got To Bat This Series: Rohit Sharma

After India won the three-match series against Australia on Sunday, Rohit Sharma made the following statement during the post-match news conference. 

“I wanted both of these guys to have a number of games under their belt before the World Cup. When we went to the Asia Cup both of these guys were in the fray to play all games,”

“But I just feel that Dinesh needs a little more game time. He hardly got to bat (this series). Just maybe three balls. So that’s not enough time,” Rohit Sharma added. 

Against Australia, Dinesh Karthik faced a total of seven balls, whilst Pant only participated in one game and was not given the opportunity to bat. 

“Pant also needs game time obviously. But looking at how this series was it was important for me to just stick to that consistent batting lineup.”  

We Want To Be Flexible In Our Batting: Rohit Sharma

The three-match T20I series between India and South Africa begins on Wednesday, and Rohit Sharma stated that the scenario would determine whether or not Karthik and Pant are included in the starting lineup. 

“I don’t know what we’re gonna do against South Africa. We just need to go and see their bowling, what sort of bowling lineup they’ll play with, and who are the best guys for us who can handle that bowling lineup. It all depends on that.

“We want to be flexible in our batting. So if the situation or if the thing demands that we need a left-hander, we will bring in a left-hander if we need a right-hander, we will continue to do that. 

“But we’ll try and manage those guys pretty carefully. I do understand that they need game time before the World Cup but there are only 11 players you can play, unfortunately.” Rohit Sharma added.

Also Read: IND vs AUS: Feels Great To Do Well And Help India Win The Series – Player Of The Series Axar Patel