T20 World Cup 2022 Preview: Reasons why Dinesh Karthik should be India's first choice wicketkeeper

There will be many options for the management to select a perfect squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. While many young faces are giving their best to make their way into the World Cup squad, an experienced player has also made his way back in the blue jersey! Yes, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has turned all the odds and made an outstanding comeback in team India, and now many expect him to be the first-choice keeper. Let us look at three reasons why Dinesh Karthik should be India's primary wicketkeeper.

Lightening form after IPL 2022

Dinesh Karthik has had a fantastic outing in the fifteenth edition of IPL for his franchise. With his top-notch abilities, Karthik has emerged as one of the best finishers in the short format. Not only did his batting impress everyone, but his consistency throughout the season has left everyone stunned. In the 2022 season, he has smashed 330 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 183. Out of these 330 runs, 251 runs have been made in the death overs at an excellent strike rate of 207, and these stats clearly define his finishing abilities. Royal Challengers Bangalore identified its best entry points after the 12th and 13th overs, which significantly helped the team. Earlier, RCB desperately needed a batsman in the middle order and someone who would play the role of AB de Villiers. Dinesh Karthik did this job for the team proficiently, and thus the wicketkeeper-batsman caught everyone's eyes. His incredible campaign in the league this year and the red-hot form he is in currently is a crucial reason for him to be team India's primary wicketkeeper and finisher as well.

The former South African pacer Dale Steyn said, "Pant has had four opportunities now in this [SA tour of India] series, and he seems to be making the same mistake. You could say that good players learn from their mistakes, but he hasn't. And DK has come up just every single time and shown what a class player he is. I think if you want to win World Cups, you pick a guy who is in form."

"DK has been in phenomenal form and looks like he is getting better and better. He has that great wicket-keeping mentality and reads the game very well. He knows and understands what bowlers are going to do, and he backs it up really well with good skill," he further added.

Aggression against the pacers, unlike other power hitters

Dinesh Karthik's batting abilities for the upcoming World Cup in Australia will be an advantage for team India. While most players try to attack the spinners in the middle overs, he goes for the pacers to increase the run flow. This makes him unique from other power hitters and thus gives him an extra hand in the game. In the IPL 2022, Karthik has impressive stats against the pacers, displaying his remarkable capabilities against pace bowling. Against seam bowling, he scored 258 runs at an average of 86 and a strike rate of 224 and was dismissed just thrice this season. Undoubtedly, Dinesh Karthik seems a perfect lower-order batter to take down the pacers in the upcoming World Cup!

Unmatchable experience of DK

The World Cup is a great platform; its grandeur stumbles many talented players. These big tournaments need experienced brains to handle the pressure in critical situations. Considering the current Indian team, probably every player has considerable experience in these big tournaments. But regarding expertise, Dinesh Karthik is the name that will surely strike our minds. Karthik's experience in the T20 Internationals is unmatchable, making him a perfect candidate for the grand tournament. The knowledge and the composure this 37-year-old batter holds are undefinable, and we have witnessed this in various instances. His career seems like a movie which has come through all ups and downs, and he is the fully furnished gem who can sail team India towards the championship.

As the World Cup is getting closer and closer, it will be a tough challenge for the BCCI to choose a squad as India is filled with several match winners. Dinesh Karthik's success in recent times is the result of his relentless hard work and faith, and this wicketkeeper-batsman surely deserves to be the first choice in the squad.