Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Saba Karim believes clarity in role given to Dinesh Karthik by the team management is helping the veteran batter perform consistently for the national team in the recent past. Karthik has been doing a fine job for the Indian team while batting in the lower-middle order as he is adding the finishing touches.
The right-hander had a great run in the Tata IPL 2022 while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore as he scored 330 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 183.33 and an average of 55. As a result, he was able to earn his return into the Indian team after three years for the series against South Africa.
Karthik once again impressed as he scored a quickfire knock of 41 runs off just 19 balls in the first T20I against West Indies. Thus, he played a key role in helping India post a par score of 190 runs on the board and he was also awarded the Player of the Match.
“When Dinesh Karthik used to bat up the order a couple of years back, we were all wondering why he wasn’t able to perform, despite the potential. He was failing back then because there was no clarity regarding his role,” Karim said on India News.
“He had no idea when he had to play the big shots, or when he had to take the singles. He has a clear role now and that is why his performances have improved significantly,” he added.
“The management has assigned this specific role to him and they have been consistently sending him in such situations. It doesn’t matter which position he is batting at, his job is to only play three or four overs. He has done his preparation according to this plan, and that’s why he has been successful.”
Dinesh Karthik has grabbed his chance with both hands while batting in tricky situations. It is never easy to perform a finisher role in T20 cricket as one has to hit the ground running and at the same time, the batter is one false shot away from his downfall. However, Karthik had been able to nail the role perfectly so far and he will look to continue the good show in the upcoming matches.
The second T20I between India and West Indies will be played on Monday.
