IND vs SA Live: India vs South Africa Live Updates: Dinesh Karthik returned to Team India after a gap of three years. During India’s first practice session for the South Africa series at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Monday, he continued his innovative shots. But despite all the talks about him potentially being in the fray for T20 World Cup, it is Hardik Pandya who is being considered for the finisher’s role. Follow IND vs SA Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Only three batters spent considerable lengths at the nets on Monday. Dinesh Karthik was one of them. Only KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant had longer sessions. While Dinesh Karthik managed to impress both coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathore.
IND vs SA Live: Dinesh Karthik IMPRESSES Rahul Dravid at NETS-SESSION but Hardik Pandya is all set to get Finisher’s role for 1st T20
Karthik 2.0 played a variety of shots, including the ramp, and reverse ramp which have now become essential for a batter in the death overs. It’s clear that he is being considered as a finisher at No 6 or 7. But even then, Hardik is the one who is likely to get the spot ahead of him.
IND vs SA Live: Why is Hardik Pandya set to get the nod ahead of Dinesh Karthik?
- Hardik has been in superb form after returning to injury. In IPL 2022, he was Gujarat Titans’ top scorer with 487 runs in 15 matches at an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 131.26.
- With the ball, he bagged 8 wickets at an economy rate of 7.27.
- It was his 3/17 spell against Rajasthan Royals in the final that helped Gujarat Titans clinch the title.
- All-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to play the finisher’s role for Team India.
- Dinesh Karthik despite his excellent form doesn’t bring in the all-rounder factor.
- If Hardik bowls his full quota of four overs, India can afford an extra spinner or an extra batsman.
- It will help India either slot in Axar Patel who will provide the batting depth or a death overs specialist in Harshal Patel or Arshdeep Singh.
- Dinesh Karthik’s inclusion will mean either of Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ishan Kishan will have to be benched.
IND vs SA Live: Dinesh Karthik IMPRESSES Rahul Dravid at NETS-SESSION but Hardik Pandya is all set to get Finisher’s role for 1st T20
M. O. O. D in the camp ahead of the #INDvSA T20I series. ☺️ 👌#TeamIndia | @Paytm pic.twitter.com/ZMB1XEvU7I
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 7, 2022
But with an extended session at the nets, the team management definitely has plans for Dinesh Karthik. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman could be a backup option if a fragile Hardik Pandya gets injured once again.
Furthermore, the five-match series against South Africa and two-match series against Ireland will be testing ground for Team India. The three-match T20 series against England will have a full-strength squad with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both returning to T20 fold.
Hardik will join India’s practice on Tuesday and it remains to be seen in what role Rahul Dravid wants him. He was rested to regain his all-rounder form after injury. All eyes will be on the all-rounder.
IND vs SA Live: Dinesh Karthik IMPRESSES Rahul Dravid at NETS-SESSION but Hardik Pandya is all set to get Finisher’s role for 1st T20
India’s squad: KL Rahul (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (vice-captain)(WK), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik.
South Africa’s squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Marco Jansen.
IND vs SA Live: Dinesh Karthik IMPRESSES Rahul Dravid at NETS-SESSION but Hardik Pandya is all set to get Finisher’s role for 1st T20
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