SA vs IND: Dinesh Karthik Wants Either Prasidh Krishna Or Mohammed Siraj To Be Included In India's Pace Unit

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik wants either of Mohammed Siraj or Prasidh Krishna to be part of India’s pace unit in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa.

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after a clinical 31-run victory against India at the Boland Park on Wednesday.

Centuries by skipper Temba Bavuma (110) and Rassie van der Duseen (129*) cruised the Proteas to register a commendable score of 296 in the first innings.

The hosts were 68 for three wickets down at one stage before they were rescued by their most reliable batters.

Bavuma and van der Dussen stitched for 204 runs between as they recorded the highest fourth-wicket stand by South Africa against India.

Would definitely like one of Prasidh Krishna or Mohammed Siraj playing these games: Dinesh Karthik

Karthik opined to add serious pace bowlers even if it forces the team management to bench anyone between Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Jasprit Bumrah.

“I’d definitely like one of Prasidh (Krishna) or (Mohammed) Siraj playing these games. It is very important for India to find a way to add pace to their attack. Whether they want to rest Bumrah or Bhuvi is up to the management. I think they (quick bowlers) can make a difference in the middle of the innings, which is where they don’t seem to find wickets,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

KL Rahul will explain to Rahul Dravid on not bowling Venkatesh Iyer: Dinesh Karthik

Ahead of the first ODI, India’s stand-in skipper KL Rahul said that Venkatesh Iyer will be their sixth bowler. To everyone’s surprise, Rahul just bowled his five main bowlers and Vekkatesh’s job was only restricted to field in the first match.

Karthik feels that Venkatesh should bowl in the upcoming matches else the selection of the all-rounder wouldn’t be justified.

“I think KL Rahul will present his case (to the coach) why he didn’t give him a bowl. But it kind of surprised everybody because that’s the role they want him to do – bat at six and bowl a bit. But he has to bowl. If you don’t allow him to do one of the skills, you are negating the effect of picking such a player,” Karthik said.

India will play the second ODI against South Africa on January 21 at the very same venue as KL Rahul and his men will try to level the series 1-1.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Only The Captain Has The Answer As To Why Venkatesh Iyer Wasn’t Bowled Even Once – Sunil Gavaskar