You need a keeper who will do MS Dhoni's role: Ravi Shastri on Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik played an exemplary role in the Royal Challengers set up as IPL 2022 stayed witness to some ecstatic finishing displays. After his magical showing for the Challengers, a national recall was not far behind for the RCB wicket-keeper.

However, it is needless to say that with the current form that Risbabh Pant is in, his spot in the blues for India is secure behind the stumps. However, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri would eventually come to the fore with a possible solution where India can savour the services of both Pant and Karthik at the same time.

Talking about the fact that this can be Karthik’s best opportunity to make the cut for the T20 World Cup, Shastri said, “This is his opportunity. If and when he gets an opportunity in these games, he has to do it with India colors on. We know he has got the experience, so this becomes extremely vital.”

Ravi Shastri would add how Karthik can fill those massive shoes of a finisher. "You have to see from the team's point of view, what are they looking for? Do they want a keeper who will bat at the top of the order or do they want a keeper who will be the finisher? I will go for the latter. You need a keeper who will do MS Dhoni's role, let's put it that way," he explained.

"There is already Rishabh Pant who can bat in the top four or five in T20 cricket but you want someone who can keep and finish a game because they aren't too many finishers now with MS (Dhoni) having quit. So I think that's where his chances are very very good," he added.

India's road to the T20 world cup begins with a 5-match T20I series agains the visiting South Africans from the 9th of January where Dinesh Karthik will make his much-awaited return to the Blue fold.