Harbhajan Singh Explains Why Dinesh Karthik Played Ahead Of Rishabh Pant Against Pakistan

 Harbhajan Singh Explains Why Dinesh Karthik Played Ahead Of Rishabh Pant Against Pakistan

Harbhajan Singh on Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant (Image Source: Twitter)

India kicked off their Asia Cup campaign on 24 August 2022 against arch-rivals Pakistan. However, India managed to win the match by five wickets. But, they took a surprising decision of playing veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant in that match.

Fans and match pundits were in complete shock after not seeing Pant in the final playing XI.   But, now former India spinner, Harbhajan Singh came up with support regarding India’s decision of playing Karthik. He said that Karthik deserved to play ahead of Pant in that Pakistan match.

“It’s time for Dinesh Karthik to play, he should play.” – Harbhajan Singh

Speaking in an interaction with AajTak, Harbhajan Singh said that there is no use in keeping Dinesh Karthik on the bench. He said: “Rishabh Pant, no doubt, has done very well even in Test cricket and one-dayers. He has been very good. But in this shortest format, he has not been an accomplished player. However, if you look at Dinesh Karthik, his graph is only going upward. He has performed well. This is the right decision. In this format, in this form, there is no use keeping him on the bench. It’s time for Dinesh Karthik to play, he should play.”

He also added that India made a correct decision by considering Dinesh Karthik as per his current form. “Rishabh Pant is young, he still has plenty of time left. However, Dinesh Karthik has only 1-2 years left and he should make the most of it, the team should also use Karthik’s form and make the most of it. He can win a lot of matches, batting down the order. With Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik batting down the order, I think it’s going to be difficult for most opposition bowlers.” Harbhajan concluded.

In the Pakistan match, Karthik grabbed some crucial catches. He also held his nerves in the last over-match during the chase. Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik might be in action again for India when they will take on Hong Kong in the second match of the Asia Cup on 31 August 2022.

Steven

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