Former teammate says no to Karthik’s T20 World Cup selection 

Ex-Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath opined in on the debate surrounding the selection of the wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthi in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. 

Badrinath doubted the Bangalore batter’s place in the Playing XI, just because of his age. While acknowledging Karthik’s finishing abilities, Badrinath also recommended prioritising the younger players over the 38-year-old.

“If Dinesh Karthik is picked, he must play all matches, not just sit on the bench. But with his age, does India’s XI have room for him over younger players? He may lack utility if he is kept in the squad. I would prefer to promote an emerging finisher. If the team sees Karthik as the finisher they want in the XI, then his selection is justified. Though several prospects have surpassed him for that role,” Badrinath stated.

“Hardik Pandya’s all-round abilities make him a rarity in Indian cricket, so he is likely to be in the playing XI. Jadeja has also done well recently as a finisher. Rinku Singh’s performances have been excellent. So it will be tough for DK to get selected over all these players. Rishabh Pant will likely be there as the keeper. Ultimately, it comes down to which position the selectors want to fill,” he added.

Badrinath and Karthik played for Tamil Nadu in the domestic cricket circuit. 

Similar statements were passed on by the former Australia skipper Aaron Finch, who praised Dinesh Karthik for his power-packed performance in this Indian T20 League but highlighted the importance of budding talents Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh and Rishabh Pant. 

“While DK is playing well for RCB in the IPL, I believe talented youngsters like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Rinku Singh are the future of Indian cricket. I would not personally pick DK in the World Cup squad, as these young stars have the potential to strengthen India’s team for years to come.”

The Team Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 will be declared soon.