Ravi Shastri explains why Dinesh Karthik can find a place in India’s T20 WC squad

After being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been roped in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2022. The decision has been spot on as Karthik has turned out to be their savior in the last couple of games.

Such has been the impression created by the Tamil Nadu cricketer that former India coach Ravi Shastri reckons he can be looked upon as India’s finisher for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. Shastri added that not only is Karthik experienced but he has also got a wide range of shots with him.

The middle-order superstar has so far amassed 90 runs from three outings at a strike rate of 204.5. He would be hoping to continue his splendid run going forward.

There is no Dhoni in the side now so you are looking at a finisher as well: Ravi Shastri

“With the amount of cricket being played and with the injuries that can take place, if you have a good IPL season which I feel he is right in thinking in that fashion. He has started off really hot and if he has a cracker jack of a season, surely he will be in that mix,” said Ravi Shastri while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.

“He has got the experience, he has got all the shots…there is no Dhoni in the side now so you are looking at a finisher as well. But you also have to see how many keepers you want – there’s Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant and now there’s Karthik. And if there’s an injury there, then he comes in automatically,” he added.

Dinesh Karthik might not have scored a half-century in this season yet but all his three knocks have been impactful so far. He scored 32 off 14 deliveries against PBKS, 14 runs off seven balls against KKR, and a quickfire 23-ball 44 against the Rajasthan Royals. Karthik remained unbeaten on all three occasions and was also adjudged the Player of the Match against the Royals.

RCB will next be locking horns with the Mumbai Indians at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on April 9.