Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Former KKR captain Dinesh Karthik is undoubtedly one of veterans in Indian cricket, having played 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 32 T20Is for the national side. With so many young wicketkeepers like Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan coming through the ranks, it is very unlikely for Karthik to be able to make a comeback in international setup. However, the 36-year-old is still fighting hard to continue playing in the Indian Premier League, where he has been a seasoned campaigner.
The wicketkeeper batsman has not had a very impressive season, having only scored 172 runs in 12 matches. He has been batting way down the order for KKR which has been the talking point among the cricket experts over the last few days. On being asked about the same, former all-rounder Rajat Bhatia gave a candid opinion on Dinesh Karthik.
Rajat Bhatia wants Karthik to bat higher up the order
"If I was the coach of KKR, I would have asked Dinesh Karthik - When are you retiring?," said Rajat Bhatia laughingly in conversation with SportsTiger. The 41-year-old went on to explain his point as he added, "I am not saying he (Karthik) is a bad player... I would have asked him if he feels he can still play for India, he can go and bat up the order if he wants as he can be used as a floater."
However, Bhatia admitted that Dinesh Karthik knows that he has passed that phase of his career and is focusing on producing cameos with the bat towards the later half of the innings, something he did against Chennai Super Kings. He also opined that if the KKR wicketkeeper announces retirement, there will be lot more opportunities and doors opened up for him to play various T20 leagues across the globe.
Disappointing day for DK against PBKS
Talking about the match against Punjab Kings on Friday, Karthik had a very disappointing outing as he was dismissed on the last delivery of the innings after playing run-a-ball 11-run knock. He also had a difficult day behind the stumps where he missed a few crucial chances which could have turned the game in KKR's favour.
With the league entering the business end of season, the Men in Purple would want their former captain to be at his absolute best and take them through to play-offs.