(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India captain Rohit Sharma offered insights into the wicket-keeper slot for the upcoming T20 World Cup, hinting at MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik’s selection chances.
In a recent appearance on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, Rohit acknowledged the impressive performances of both veterans in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. He highlighted Dhoni’s impactful four-ball 20-run knock against Mumbai Indians, terming it the turning point of the match.
“I was quite impressed, quite impressed, especially with Dinesh. The way he batted a couple of nights back. Dhoni, as well, he came to play 4 balls, made a huge impact, with those 20 runs. That was eventually the difference in the game,” Rohit said as quoted.
However, when it came to the World Cup, Rohit suggested convincing Dhoni might be difficult as he has already retired from international cricket.
“It’ll be hard to convince MSD for sure to come to the West Indies I guess. He is sick and tired. He is coming to the US though to do something else. He is into golf, so he will play golf I guess.”
On the other hand, Rohit seemed more optimistic about Karthik’s availability, saying, “DK will be easy to convince I guess.”
This aligns with Rohit’s on-field banter with Karthik during an IPL match, where he was playfully caught on the stump mic saying, “thinking about the World Cup already?”
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2024 in the USA and the Caribbean, the race for the wicket-keeper’s spot in the Indian squad is heating up.
Rohit’s comments suggest the team management might be leaning towards Karthik’s experience and recent form, while respecting Dhoni’s retirement.