Former Australia player Shane Watson believes that Team India’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik could play over Rishabh Pant when it comes to the finisher’s role at the T20 World Cup 2022 as well.
He also revealed how the veteran batter has been in great form in recent times, taking games away from the opposition with ease. Watson also shared that Karthik is a valuable addition to India’s squad, considering his finishing skills.
However, team India have backed Karthik over Pant in their recent T20I matches. Meanwhile, Karthik got the chance over Pant in the side’s warm-up match against hosts Australia as well. Watson also acknowledged that Virat Kohli has showcased stunning form since returning from a short break before the Asia Cup 2022.
The veteran has also shared that Virat Kohli seems to have found his rhythm and has looked in great touch with the bat. He has also predicted that the veteran would play a major role for India at the mega event.
Shane Watson said during an interview with the TOI: “Virat is batting very nicely right now. The way he played against Australia alone, a couple of those innings, the way he batted, he was at his best. Some of those shots that he played were amazing. Virat is batting at his absolute best. He definitely needed a break just to be able to re-energize his batteries. And you can see the way he has made a comeback into the Indian team. The way he’s batting, he’s going to play a key role for India in the T20 World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Team India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday (October 23).
He explained: “It’s a good predicament that India have got. DK is batting brilliantly. He is just incredible. He just continues to come in and just take games away from world-class bowling (teams) straightaway. So, if that’s the role needed within the Indian team, then Dinesh Karthik is certainly the man for that. If they just want someone to come in right at the end and hit boundaries straightaway, then DK is the best for this role.”
While speaking of Rishabh Pant’s batting, Shane Watson shared that while the youngster is also capable of upping the ante, he considers him more as a middle-order batter than a finisher.
“Whereas, Rishabh can certainly do that too. But in my mind, he is more of a middle-order batsman right now. Both Rishabh and Dinesh Karthik are very sharp. It just depends on what roles they need to fill in. Karthik is going to play a big role for India at the T20 World Cup,” Shane Watson concluded.
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