IND vs ENG: "I Don’t Think Dropping A Player During A World Cup Is The Right Thing"- Mohammad Kaif On Dinesh Karthik's Omission From The New Zealand Tour

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes that Dinesh Karthik‘s confidence has been impacted by the squad announcements for the forthcoming series while the T20 World Cup 2022 is still in progress. For the T20I trip to New Zealand, the seasoned keeper-batter has been left off the roster. 

When the gloveman from Tamil Nadu was chosen for the 15-person Team India roster for the World Cup in Australia, there were big expectations for him. However, in his three trips to the crease, the 37-year-old has recorded scores of 1, 6, and 7. 

The Road Ahead Seems Difficult For Dinesh Karthik

For India’s final Super 12 game against Zimbabwe on Sunday, November 6, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rishabh Pant took Dinesh Karthik’s position. Kaif suggested to Sportskeeda that Karthik’s time playing international cricket may be drawing to a close. 

“I don’t think dropping a player (for a future series) during a World Cup is the right thing. If affects the player and he feels the pressure. This was clearly seen in Dinesh Karthik’s case. 

“He is not part of the New Zealand tour. (Ravichandran) Ashwin is also not there. It is a clear indication that the duo will not play the shorter formats now. Karthik got his chances, but did not utilize them. The road ahead seems very difficult for him.” 

The Indian team management is reportedly planning to keep Pant in the starting lineup for the semi-final match against England on Thursday, November 10, despite the fact that he was dismissed for three against Zimbabwe. 

I Think Only Rishabh Pant Will Play Now: Mohammad Kaif

When asked which player he preferred—Pant or Karthik—for the T20 World Cup semi-final, Kaif responded that, going forward, only the left-hander will play for India. 

The former India batter elaborated on his ideas and said: 

“I think only Pant will play now, irrespective of whether he does well or not. He is also not in great form, but I feel that in the upcoming games and going forward as well, Pant will be backed completely. The challenge for him is to grab his opportunities and play match-winning knocks for India.” 

Although the young wicketkeeper-batter has an excellent Test record, he has struggled in white-ball cricket. Poor T20I statistics are especially evident for the 25-year-old, who scored 964 runs in 63 games at an average of 23.51 and a strike rate of 127. 

Also Read: IND vs ENG: ‘Both Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik Will Be In Play For Selection’: Rohit Sharma Ahead Of Semi-final vs England