Gautam Gambhir, Kapil Dev
Gautam Gambhir (Image Credit: Twitter)

Gautam Gambhir considers Team India will keep Dinesh Karthik in their starting XI against South Africa in the second T20I.

In the first T20I against South Africa, Karthik was prioritized over Deepak Hooda in the batting lineup. However, since he only faced a few deliveries, the seasoned cricketer did not have the opportunity to demonstrate his finishing skills.

dinesh karthik. Photo- BCCI
Dinesh Karthik. Photo- BCCI

During a Star Sports conversation, Gautam Gambhir was questioned if he intends any improvements to Team India’s XI or whether they should stick with the same players for the next few games.

Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda Image Credit — BCCI

“You’ll take him now that you’ve managed to play Dinesh Karthik. I still believe you might have cast Deepak Hooda given his current type and age. But, unless the wicket is incredibly dry, I don’t believe any steps are needed in the upcoming matches,” he said.

‘Team India could use Ravi Bishnoi instead of a pace bowler’: Gautam Gambhir

If the surface is spin-friendly, Gautam Gambhir believes Team India might select Ravi Bishnoi rather than a pace bowler. Gambhir continued:

“In that instance, you can likely sit out a fast bowler and play Bishnoi’s leg-spinner, with Hardik filling in as your third pace bowler. As aggressive alternatives, you will have two wrist-spinners, however, if the stadium is small and the wicket has little spin, you will most likely see the same squad” Gautam Gambhir said.

Read More  IPL Points Table 2024: Orange Cap, Purple Cap List After RR vs DC, Match 9
Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi. (Photo Credit: BCCI)

Despite failing to defend a 212-run goal in the first match, Team India is set to remain with the same bowlers’ combination.

Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh, two fascinating pace-bowling alternatives, are waiting on the sidelines. They would, however, like to give Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, and Harshal Patel at least one more game.

On Sunday, June 12, India and South Africa will play the second T20I of their five-match series. The game is set to take place at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Wasim Jaffer Believes Shreyas Iyer Needs To Focus On His Game Against Fast Bowlers