We have all seen the memes of Dinesh Karthik performing well with a World Cup around the corner. He made it into India’s World Cup teams in 2019 and T20 World Cup 2022 with sensational shows in the lead-up to it.
After a poor IPL 2023 season, when there was no T20 WC, Dinesh Karthik has started the IPL 2024 season on a blockbuster note with the T20 World Cup 2024 to follow the IPL immediately.
Even at the age of 38, Karthik, with only two matches, has made a strong case for a recall to India’s T20I side for the T20 World Cup 2024, which will be played in June in the West Indies and the USA.
3 Reasons Why Dinesh Karthik May Comeback To Indian Team For T20 World Cup 2024:
He’s still got the finishing touch
While Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation that he’s “still got” the T20 game, Dinesh Karthik announced the same with his bat in his two knocks so far.
In the first game against CSK, he scored 38* (26) and with the help of Anuj Rawat, he took RCB’s total to 173 from 78/5. He hit 4 fours and 3 sixes against CSK at Chepauk. Against Punjab Kings recently, Karthik slammed 3 fours and 2 sixes in his innings of 28* (10). He formed a partnership of 48 (18) with Lomror and completed the chase with 4 balls to spare.
Temperament to play risky shots
The best of Karthik in his knock against Punjab came to the fore in the last over. Arshdeep Singh is one of the best Indian death bowlers in T20 cricket, but Karthik’s temperament and clarity of shot selection trumped him over.
With 10 runs required off the last over, Karthik showed his innovativeness to move across the off-stump and scoop a back of length delivery over fine leg for six. After a wide ball, Karthik assessed that Arshdeep would bowl a fuller length, he stood in his crease and blasted a four down the ground to win the match.
The most-revered aspect of a T20 finisher is his temperament, and Karthik has oodles of it.
India don’t have options for middle-order keepers
This is very interesting now, and this is a factor that would boost a potential return for Dinesh Karthik. India have a set top-four of Rohit, Jaiswal/Gill, Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav with Hardik Pandya and Jadeja to follow. While Rinku Singh is right now the best Indian finisher, India may not have a place for him in the playing XI as they need a wicket-keeper, and there is no Impact Player rule in the ICC events.
For the keeping options, Kishan and KL Rahul are openers, Sanju Samson is batting at number 3 for Rajasthan Royals. Jitesh Sharma is a frontrunner but he’s started the IPL with two ordinary innings, and undershadowed massively by Karthik’s two brilliant finishing knocks.
At the age of 38, Karthik is still fit as ever, and could really force himself into India’s T20 World Cup squad this year, as he did a couple of years ago.
Also Read: 5 Key Observations About Virat Kohli’s Match-Winning Knock vs PBKS
