IND vs SA: ‘Want To Win T20 WC, Pick A Guy Who’s In Form’: Former Pacer Explains Dinesh Karthik’s Importance In Team India

Following India’s series-tying win over South Africa in Rajkot, Dinesh Karthik has been the focus of all attention. He hit his first fifty in the shortest format of the game, and he was instrumental in the team’s 82-run triumph over the Proteas. His inning featured 9 fours and two maximums, and he reached the century mark in just 26 balls. 

Former South Africa captain Dale Steyn heaped admiration on the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, claiming that Karthik has demonstrated that he is a world-class player. 

Dale Steyn Backs Dinesh Karthik For The T20 World Cup Squad

In an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, the former bowler stated that if Dinesh Karthik maintains his excellent form, he would be the first to be called up to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in 2022. 

“DK has just come out every single time and shown what a class player he is. If you want to win the World Cup, you want to pick a guy who is in form.

There are guys who team will pick on reputation, but DK is in such fantastic form, if he continues this form, he is going to be one of the first names written down on the plane when India tours for the World Cup later this year,” said Steyn on ESPN Cricinfo. 

This year, Karthik has been having a blast on the pitch. In the IPL 2022, he played the role of a finisher for RCB and scored over 300 runs. He returned to the Indian T20I team after a more than three-year absence, following a successful season. 

Dinesh Karthik Understands The Game Really Well: Dale Steyn

Karthik, according to Steyn, has been improving with each game he plays and has a thorough grasp of his game. 

“DK has been in phenomenal form. This year, he is getting better and better. He has the wicketkeeper mentality, he reads the game really well, he knows and understands what bowlers are trying to do and he backs it up with very good skill.

He reverse sweeps, sweeps, laps. They are shots being played by somebody who reads and understands the game, understands what the bowler is going to bowl when before he runs up to bowl,” Steyn said. 

“He does it so well, he attacks the first and last ball of the over, he puts the bowlers under pressure on ball one, and then the guys, they don’t really have an answer,” he added. 

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