Jacques Kallis, former South African all-rounder and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach, has backed Dinesh Karthik to make cut to India squad for the upcoming 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, saying India will make a silly mistake if they ignore him, as he would be critical to their chances in the showpiece event.
The KKR coach believes that Indian selectors should pick Karthik in their final 15-man World Cup squad, as his experience and the temperament can solve their No.4 puzzle, saying he brings in vast experience and great temperament into the side.
Having proved his mettle as a finisher in T20 cricket, 2018 Nidahas Trophy T20 hero, Kallis also feels that Karthik’s tendency to be calm under pressure makes him must have him in the dressing room as well while saying the Tamil Nadu man is one of the best finishers he has ever seen.
Kallis told India Today on Thursday, 11th April, “India will be silly not to pick Dinesh Kartik in the World Cup team. He has the experience and the temperament and will be critical to India's chances. He should be looked at as the number 4 option.”
He continued, “DK is one of the best finishers I have ever seen. He has been unbelievable for KKR. India will be silly if they don't pick him up for the World Cup. To have a guy there who is going to be calm under pressure and he's great to have him in your dressing room as well.”
Despite getting limited opportunities in the One Day Cricket, Karthik has proved himself with consistent performances, having amassed 425 runs in 20 matches at an average of 46.75 in ODIs since 2017.
Meanwhile, the legendary all-rounder also said that Virat Kohli-led Indian Cricket Team has all the potential to win the 2019 World Cup and are favorites going into the prestigious 50-over tournament, starting from 30 May in England and Wales.
Kallis signed off by saying, “2019 will be the most open World Cup of all and India certainly has the team to win it and are the favorites going into the tournament.”
(With India Today Inputs)
