IND vs SA: "This Commentator Can Bat!" - Wasim Jaffer Heaps Praise On Dinesh Karthik After 4th IND Vs SA T20I

Dinesh Karthik’s match-winning half-century in India’s fourth T20I against South Africa on Friday was praised by Wasim Jaffer, a former colleague. Jaffer, who is known for his creative tweets and one-liners, praised Karthik’s fitness and mentioned his embryonic broadcasting career, stating, “This pundit can bat” and “walk the talk.” 

Karthik entered the fray in the 13th over, with the visitors on 81/4. This was in stark contrast to the hit-from-first-ball scenarios in which he flourished during the IPL 2022. But he played a fantastic innings, taking his time before teeing off for 55 off 27 balls. Hardik Pandya (46 off 31) aided the 37-year-old in taking India to a comfortable 169/6. 

Karthik’s half-century was his first in 36 T20Is, prompting social media users to share photographs of him playing in India’s first-ever T20I. In 2006, it was also against the Proteas, and Karthik won with an undefeated 31. (28). 

Wasim Jaffer Feels Happy For Dinesh Karthik

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Wasim Jaffer commented on the game and Karthik’s incredible journey against all odds. He said: 

“I remember that 2006 T20 because I was part of [the squad]. India won that T20, I think it was a one-off game. Scoring your first T20I half-century like this after all these years and scoring it in this fashion indicates that he maintained his fitness and form, brought it to the IPL, and, most importantly, didn’t give up.

He knew he is in an age bracket where he won’t get second chances but still didn’t give up. I really feel happy that he showed a never-say-die attitude.” 

Wasim Jaffer added: 

“He has been in and out of the team and made innumerable comebacks but the way he batted today, showed the 360-degree game with sweeps, and reverse sweeps. India was behind in the game at the 10th over the mark and could make 170 only because of Dinesh Karthik’s batting.

He showed that this commentator can bat. He commentates when he isn’t batting but he can also walk the talk. It’s a very good thing and I am very happy for him”. 

A Complete Performance By Team India: Wasim Jaffer

In the second innings, the Indian bowlers were outstanding, bowling the visitors out for just 87 runs to tie the five-match series at 2-2. Jaffer went on to praise Karthik, Pandya, the bowlers, and the team management. The former Indian batter said: 

“The pitch wasn’t as easy as Rajkot is popular of producing but despite that, the way India batted, especially Dinesh Karthik and Hardik Pandya’s partnership, it was game-changing. Scoring 73 runs in the last five overs and the way Dinesh Karthik played was superb.

And then how Avesh Khan bowled – credit goes to Rahul Dravid and Rishabh Pant for maintaining the continuity, not making changes despite the two losses. And Avesh Khan repaid that faith like Ruturaj Gaikwad did earlier… Overall, a complete performance. A 80+ run win in T20s is a thumping win.” 

India Favorites For Series Win: Wasim Jaffer

India has the momentum coming into the decider in Bengaluru on Sunday, according to Wasim Jaffer, because they have won two games in a row by large scores. South Africa’s return is feasible, according to the Ranji Trophy great, but they’ll have to discard their old routines and play with a fresh attitude. 

Wasim Jaffer said: 

Momentum is no doubt with India because the matches they have won are by big margins while the losses were very close matches. It shows India has dominated the series so far.

I feel the pattern for South Africa has been quite similar every time – they have won the toss, India has made [decent] runs every match and then their batting has been behind in every powerplay. Apart from the 1-2 magical innings, like of Klaasen, David Miller, and [Rassie] van der Dussen, there has been nothing special.

And when they haven’t got that innings, we have seen such losses…They can come back hard but need to play with a new spirit.” 

The final T20I, set to be hosted by the Chinnaswamy Stadium, will commence at 7:00 pm IST. 

Also Read: IND vs SA: India Are Working Towards T20 World Cup Goal: Harshal Patel