IND vs NZ 2021: Dinesh Karthik Wants Rohit Sharma Or KL Rahul To Be Rested For Third T20I

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik feels the Indian team needs to build a third opener as a backup for Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul once again stood up to the occasion against New Zealand in the second T20I and put an outstanding 117 in India’s chase for the opening stand.

India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets to seal the three-match T20I series 2-0.

There is no doubt that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are the first choice openers: Dinesh Karthik

Karthik believes that the duo of Rohit and Rahul is unbelievable but also stressed to find the third opener for the team in case of an injury scenario.

During the T20 World Cup match against New Zealand Ishan Kishan was seen batting alongside KL Rahul in the opening slot with Rohit batting at No.3.

Karthik also said that one of the openers should be rested and someone else should be tested in the final T20I match.

“In my mind, there is no doubt that Rohit and Rahul are the first choice openers. What they need to find out is, if one of them is injured for the World Cup, then who is going to be their third opener who can fill in. I don’t think we need more than 3 openers in the squad,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.

“Are you going to look towards a left-hander like Ishan Kishan, Venkatesh Iyer, or Shikhar Dhawan or someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad. One of them should definitely be given a break in the next game and the team should look into their third opener,” he added.

Good on Rahul Dravid to promote Venkatesh Iye up the batting order: Dinesh Karthik

All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was promoted to bat ahead of Suryakumar Yadav at No.3 and remained unbeaten on 12.

Karthik appreciated Indian head coach Rahul Dravid for promoting Venkatesh Iyer in India’s batting line-up.

“The word here is clinical. Just going ahead with things in a smooth and calm manner. Good to see Iyer getting a hit. Good on Rahul Dravid to promote him up the order. Straightforward finish for India, very good batting upfront by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, let’s not forget about the quality of the knocks they both played,” Karthik said.

India will play the final T20I against the Black Caps on November 21 (Sunday) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Also Read: IND vs NZ 2021: Wasn’t The Easiest Conditions But The Way We Applied Ourselves Was Great – Rohit Sharma