Former India opener Virender Sehwag backs Dinesh Karthik over Suresh Raina for the upcoming ODI series against England. The wicket-keeper batsman Karthik has shown his potential recently and was the hero for India in Nidahas Trophy final in Sri Lanka.
The lower middle order batsman continued his form in the IPL 2018 and led his team Kolkata Knight Riders to the playoffs. On the other side, Raina was included in the side after Ambati Rayudu had to be excluded from the side following his failure to clear the yo-yo Test.
Sehwag feels it is the right time for India to use Karthik's form. "I feel Dinesh Karthik might get a chance ahead of Suresh Raina as Karthik’s performance in the Nidahas Trophy and IPL 2018 was impressive. I think now is the best time for Karthik to play,” Sehwag told IndiaTV.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli is going to have a brain-freeze moment deciding India's batting line-up with all the players in top form.
Sehwag thinks KL Rahul is suitable for number three position and Kohli should continue batting at number 4 like he did in T20Is. Rahul played under Sehwag's mentorship for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2018. He scored three 90s for the team.
“I think KL Rahul should come at No.3 because Dhawan and Rohit will continue to open. Captain Kohli will come at No.4. I feel this will be India’s batting order. I don’t feel there will be too many changes to the playing XI,” quipped Sehwag.
The 39-year-old was clear with his thoughts about the result of the upcoming ODI series. He picked India as favorites over England to win the title.
“I feel if India plays the ODIs the same way they played in the T20I series, they will be able to beat England because, in my opinion, the Indian team is stronger than England in both batting and bowling departments. I feel India will clinch this series 3-0 or by 2-1,” he said.
Indian spinners have been a major support for the team in recent times, and Sehwag knows their importance. “India’s spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have the ability to overpower England in ODIs. A lot will depend on how the English batsmen play against Kuldeep and Chahal in the middle overs,” he said.
