Speaking during Day 4 of the first Test between England and India at Headingley, Dinesh Karthik offered his perspective on the kind of fourth-innings target England would be comfortable pursuing. The former Indian cricketer and current commentator suggested that the hosts wouldn’t feel threatened by anything under the 300-run mark.
“Anything under 300, they’d back themselves to do it,” Karthik said on Sky Sports Cricket, pointing to the fearless approach England have embraced under the Ben Stokes–Brendon McCullum leadership. Known for their aggressive ‘Bazball’ style, England’s confidence helps them chase big targets even under pressure, says Karthik.
"Anything under 300, they'd back themselves to do it"
Dinesh Karthik on what England would be comfortable to chase in the fourth innings at Headingley 🏴 pic.twitter.com/lNcPRKeX4e
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 23, 2025
“India’s Kohinoor in the Bowling Attack”- Dinesh Karthik Hails Jasprit Bumrah
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik heaped high praise on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, likening his value to that of the Kohinoor diamond. Bumrah, currently the No. 1 ranked Test bowler in the ICC rankings, is spearheading India’s attack in the ongoing first Test against England at Leeds. He delivered a brilliant spell in the first innings, claiming 5 wickets for 83 runs.
Bumrah’s exceptional performance not only restricted England to 465 in response to India’s 471 but also saw him surpass several bowling milestones. Clearly impressed with his impact, Karthik described the fast bowler as “something very special” while speaking on Sky Sports Cricket on Sunday, June 22.
“He is as valuable as a Kohinoor diamond, and I hope people realise how important he is to the Indian bowling attack across formats because you give him any ball. In fact, I just made an Instagram reel on how across phases, old ball, new ball, white ball, any ball you give him—pink ball, green ball, I don’t know what ball you can give him—he will make it work.”
”He’s got immense skill set, but more importantly, he’s got a brain that ticks, that knows what a batsman is trying to do and how I am going to pick up his wicket, and he’s got that wired quite nicely. He’s got it all. For any bowler in the history of the game who has picked up 200 wickets, he’s number one with the average, which tells you that he is something very special,” Karthik said.
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