In the second part of the series Indian Premier League Midases, where we at Sportzwiki dissect the 5 reasons why DD splashed the cash for Dinesh Karthik. DK was brought by the Delhi Daredevils for a whooping sum of INR 12.5 Crores.
- Wicketkeeper – The role of a wicketkeeper changed after the advent of Adam Gilchrist. In a format like T20, where every player in the team is expected to bat, a wicketkeeper who is a handy bat is worth his weight in gold. Here is a wicketkeeper who is safe behind the wickets and has considerable international experience and primarily an Indian. The acrobatic stumping he made to dismiss Michael Vaughan early in his international career and the diving catch to dismiss Graeme Smith in the T20 world cup 2007 are still vivid memories.
- Middle Order Bat – DK’s batting credentials are well known. At one point of time, he was considered good enough to open the batting for Indian test team. He has a sound technique and can also play his shots. He was a part of the T20 winning Indian team and he has proved himself to be a match winner with the bat for the Mumbai Indians in the previous editions of the IPL. Calm under pressure situations he can rotate strike well and can go after the bowlers in the later stages of his innings. He is also expected to bolster the batting and along with KP,Manoj Tiwary,Ross Taylor forms the crux of DD’s middle order.
- A character – Wicket keepers are expected to maintain the mood of the team. They are usually chirpy characters who can encourage the team with their voice behind the stumps. One recent instance was the chatter by AB Devilliers in the test match against Australia which was picked up by the stump microphone, when he said “Come on guys, soon they will be 150/4”. He uttered these words when Australia were cruising with a century opening stand at 123/0; suddenly they were staring at 156/4. DK is an active character and can encourage his team’s bowlers and fielders by his presence behind the stumps.
- Captaincy Material – Delhi daredevils have not decided on who their captain would be. Kevin Pieterson might be the obvious candidate, but in case the team management decide to go for an Indian captain, then DK could be the man. He is in the best position to view the game, behind the stumps and can adjust his fields accordingly. He also has considerable leadership experience as he was the captain of the Tamil nadu Ranji and South Zone teams.
- Comfort Level – DK has already played for the Delhi Daredevils for the first three seasons of the IPL , he knows the conditions well and may well be in the good books of the owners. His explosive batting, audacious character and his wicket keeping skills have made the DD owners go for him again.
