IND vs WI: Dinesh Karthik Was Failing Earlier Because Of Lack Of Clarity In His Role – Saba Karim

Former Indian player Saba Karim mentioned the reason behind Dinesh Karthik’s massive transformation after returning to international cricket.

Karthik returned to the Indian side after three years on the phenomenal success of the IPL 2022 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), scoring 330 runs in 16 innings at 55 and a strike rate of 183.33.

He replicated his heroics for the Indian side as he scored his maiden T20I half-century in the fourth match despite making his debut in India’s first T20I match against South Africa in 2006. Karthik slammed 55 off 27 balls to power India to a respectable 169/6 and they eventually won by 82 runs to level the series 2-2.

Dinesh Karthik was failing back then because there was no clarity regarding his role: Saba Karim

In the first T20I against the West Indies, Karthik scored 41 off 19 balls with the help of four boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate of 215.79 to power India’s score to 190/6. 

Karim has credited the transparency in Karthik’s role for the improvement in the Tamil Nadu player’s game. 

“When Dinesh Karthik used to bat up the order a couple of years back, we were all wondering why he wasn’t able to perform, despite the potential. He was failing back then because there was no clarity regarding his role,” Karim told India News.

“He had no idea when he had to play the big shots, or when he had to take the singles. He has a clear role now and that is why his performances have improved significantly,” he added. 

Dinesh Karthik’s role is to score quick runs in last three overs: Saba Karim

Karim pointed out how the current team management under Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma has exemplified Karthik to play in the slog overs. 

“The management has assigned this specific role to him and they have been consistently sending him in such situations. It doesn’t matter which position he is batting at, his job is to only play three or four overs. He has done his preparation according to this plan, and that’s why he has been successful,” Karim said. 

“Batting in T20 cricket doesn’t depend on overs, it is about the number of balls that you play. While making strategies, teams tend to focus on how many balls a batter is going to face in a match.

“Dinesh Karthik’s role is to go out there in the last 2-3 overs and score quick runs. This is why if he plays the most number of balls during that period, it will benefit the team,” he added.

India will play the second T20I match against the West Indies on Monday at the Warner Park in St Kitts.

Also Read: IND vs WI: Aakash Chopra Lauds Dinesh Karthik For His Performance In The First T20I