Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter and commentator Dinesh Karthik believes that the year 2023 was a mixed bag for the Indian cricket team. Team India performed exceptionally in the bilateral series, but they faced setbacks in the WTC final and the summit clash of the ODI World Cup 2023.
Additionally, India ended the year with an embarrassing defeat of an innings and 32 runs in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion. Looking ahead to 2024, India aims to start the year with a win against South Africa in the second and final Test, starting on January 3 in Cape Town.
However, despite some heartbreaks, 2023 brought some positives for India, like Jasprit Bumrah's return, Virat Kohli’s return to his form, and KL Rahul’s comeback and success as wicketkeeper-batter.
Dinesh Karthik was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “There have been many, many good things that have happened. Jasprit Bumrah’s return to cricket is a very, very important moment for us. The way Virat Kohli has just come back in all formats, the man has got the skill, hunger, and determination.”
He further noted, “Rohit Sharma’s incredible batting during the World Cup, just standing up and wanting to be counted as a leader. KL Rahul’s comeback to international has been a great success story as well, not only as a batter but as a keeper as well.”
2023 has been a year that has seen some of the best cricket Team India has played and some heartbreaking days as well. Most of the bilaterals, I think we have aced, as always.”
Karthik signed off by saying, “The 50-over World Cup that happened in India was a very special one. India played some brilliant cricket, barring the finals. As people would say, didn’t just go our way and Australia played way better on that day.”
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
