Dinesh Karthik’s latest comeback to the Indian team seems to have delighted the cricket fraternity. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman’s career had looked as good as over when he was dropped from the Indian team in 2019.
Karthik’s last appearance for Team India was in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, a match where he had failed to deliver. And when Karthik decided to do don the commentator’s hat last year, many believed that even he had given up on his international career.
Karthik, however, was thinking otherwise. The 36-year old has earned a recall from the selectors for the upcoming home series against South Africa after his stunning displays in the ongoing IPL.
Karthik has looked in sublime touch throughout the competition and has once again showed his finishing potentials. In 14 games so far, he has scored 287 runs at an incredible strike rate of 191.33.
Chance for Dinesh Karthik to seal T20 World Cup spot:
The selectors duly rewarded Karthik for his outstanding displays by handing him yet another recall. Karthik has now got the opportunity to seal his spot in the team for this year’s T20 World Cup.
A solid performance against South Africa can all but confirm his spot in the team for the mega event. India are looking for a reliable finisher for quite some time now and Karthik has a golden opportunity of ending that search.
Talking about the series against South Africa, Team India will host the Proteas for five games. The T20I series will get underway on June 9 in Delhi and will finish with the fifth game on June 19 in Bengaluru.
The selectors have rested skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah for the series. In Rohit’s absence, KL Rahul will be leading the team. Rishabh Pant has been named as Rahul’s deputy.
Cricketers delighted with Dinesh Karthik’s recall:
The cricket fraternity is delighted with Dinesh Karthik’s fairytale return to the Indian team. Messages have been pouring in for him since the BCCI confirmed the news his inclusion in the T20I team. Not only the fans but several cricketers from past and present have also lauded Karthik for his comeback.
Here are some reactions from the cricket stars after Dinesh Karthik’s recall:
Well deserve @DineshKarthik very happy for you.. god bless
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 22, 2022
My Dino ❤️ believe in yourself https://t.co/6ciAL9zSv3
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) May 22, 2022
Dinesh Karthick brother you deserve this india call up. Well done for your india call up.. Fab story of not giving up hope!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 22, 2022
Proud of you @DineshKarthik ?
— abhishek nayar (@abhisheknayar1) May 22, 2022
Huge congrats @DineshKarthik proper tournament to date and well deserved https://t.co/QJPh3pHFMV
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) May 23, 2022
So happy for @DineshKarthik 's comeback into the Indian team.
His passion and work ethic is the reason for his unbelievable comeback. Seen him from close quarters how hard he has worked. Hope the good run continues and wish him the best!
Go well Dinesh na?❤️— Indrajith baba (@IndrajithBaba) May 22, 2022
Richly deserved return to the Indian team @DineshKarthik, well done ??
Good to see #KulCha and @hardikpandya7 back too!
India’s pace battery is now richer with two very talented bowlers, @arshdeepsinghh and Umran ?
Tripathi still doesn't get a spot though.— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) May 22, 2022
Congratulations @DineshKarthik Bhaiya for your recall to the Indian Team ?
Well deserved ?— Shivvam Sharma (@imshivamsharma9) May 22, 2022