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IPL 2019: Focus on Dinesh Karthik as KKR face Mumbai Indians
Karthik has played different roles across formats in his many India comebacks, be it as Test opener or pure batsman.
It always helps when your role is defined. But that has not been the case for Dinesh Karthik. However, after every setback, the Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman has returned to the drawing board.
Be it working on his keeping, batting or mental conditioning, he has been prepared every time a national call has come. Last year, he played a key role in India winning the Nidahas Trophy T20 series in Sri Lanka as MS Dhoni was rested, and then played purely as a batsman in the Asia Cup win in the UAE.
The Tamil Nadu stumper made his India debut in 2004, only to be sidelined as Dhoni took Indian cricket by storm. However, Karthik has played different roles across formats in his many India comebacks, be it as Test opener or pure batsman. Over the past two seasons, he has helped Kolkata Knight Riders finish games, and played the role to an extent for India too.
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What has worked for the 33-year-old is the flexibility he offers. KKR will need their skipper to be on top of his game when they face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, in the last league match of the season. They must win if they are to nurse any hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.
However, there are rumblings in the KKR camp. Lethal finisher, Andre Russell, has demanded a higher batting slot. There is talk the atmosphere in the dressing room is not good. In Friday’s win over Kings XI Punjab, Karthik looked annoyed by the performances of some players on the field.
However, that’s how the last year has been for Karthik. He was the toast of the nation after orchestrating the Nidhas Trophy final win. But in a T20 match against New Zealand in February, his refusal to run a single backfired as India lost.
Stinging criticism followed, and there were calls he should not be picked for the World Cup. Young Rishabh Pant edged ahead in the race for back-up keeper. However, Karthik pipped him when the 15-member squad was named on April 15.
In England, he will be an option for No 4 besides being the backup wicketkeeper for Dhoni.
