IND vs SA: Rahul Dravid Gets Impressed by Dinesh Karthik, but Hardik Pandya Is More Likely to Get the “Finisher” Role for the First T20I
IND vs SA: The Indian team will face off against South Africa in a five-match T20I series at home. The first match will start on Thursday, June 9 at Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi. This will be a big challenge for the Men in Blue as their main players have been given rest and some of them are out due to injury. So, the current Indian squad is full of new faces who are coming from the TATA IPL 2022. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are the captain and vice-captain for this series. Looking for more online betting sites in India for the 2022 season? Read here.
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But one name that made the headlines in the IPL is that of the veteran wicket-keeper batsman, Dinesh Karthik. The 37-year-old has impressed the selection committee and has made his comeback to the Indian team after a gap of almost three years. He is training, sweating hard at the nets and playing his unconventional shots in the training sessions. However, ahead of him being picked as the finisher in the team, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is the front-runner.
Notably, three Indian batters had long training sessions: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Dinesh Karthik. This new version of Karthik has been phenomenal and knows how to go about his business. The veteran wicket-keeper is comfortable playing innovative shots such as ramps and reverse ramps, which have become the need of the hour in T20 cricket. Download one of the best betting apps with a user-friendly design, and plenty of payment options, and enjoy all features and bonuses here on our site.
IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya to get an extra edge over Dinesh Karthik as a “Finisher” in the team
There is no doubt that Karthik has performed exceedingly well in the recently concluded IPL season. But Hardik Pandya is more likely to get that finisher role in the team. The all-rounder finished the IPL 2022 as one of the highest run-getters in the tournament. He scored 487 runs in 15 games at an average and strike rate of 44.27 and 131.26. On the other hand, he also bowled some difficult overs and chipped in with eight wickets with an economy of 7.27.
Both are good at hitting the ball, but Hardik might get an upper hand if it comes to choosing one, because he brings the all-around ability to the game. Because if he can bowl a few overs, the team can look to add one extra batter or spinner to the team. Notably, if Karthik gets the chance, it will mean that either Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ishan Kishan will have to sit out in the upcoming series.
However, BCCI will surely have certain plans for DK. He might get a chance in case any of the batters get injured. Notably, this series against South Africa and then a two-match T20I series against Ireland will surely test the team. India is likely to go with a full-strength team against England. However, Hardik has already joined the team ahead of the series. But it will be interesting to see what role the management will offer to Dinesh Karthik. Bet online by checking more expert betting tips from our professional expert tipsters.