T20 World Cup 2022: Rahul Dravid shares update on Dinesh Karthik’s fitness ahead of Bangladesh clash

Karthik walked off the field in the last few overs against South Africa due to back issues.

 Dinesh Karthik | GettyDespite the five-wicket against South Africa, Team India's chances of making the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finals remain intact.

The Men in Blue are due to face Bangladesh in their next Super 12 clash at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday (November 2).

Ahead of the match, there is an injury concern in the Indian camp as wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik walked off the field in the last few overs against South Africa due to back issues.

On the eve of the Bangladesh clash, India head coach Rahul Dravid addressed a press conference where he shared an update on Karthik.

"He has pulled up really well today. Unfortunately, he had a spasm when he jumped to collect the ball and he landed badly and landed in a way that he did his back a little bit. But, with treatment, he has pulled up really well, and he has come to training. We will be assessing it and we will see how it goes. We will put him through his paces and ensure we have given him a good workout and see how he goes tomorrow morning and we will take a final decision," said Dravid.

Karthik has played two innings in the ongoing T20 World Cup so far, registering scores of 1 and 6 against Pakistan and South Africa respectively. Hence, it is important for him to get back among runs and gain confidence.

Commenting on Karthik's form and performance, Dravid said: "You know it is tough to assess with someone like DK on how he has gone, you don't get to play many balls. He faced just one ball in the backend of the game against Pakistan, he did not bat against the Netherlands. We thought he sort of built a really good partnership with Suryakumar Yadav against South Africa, we needed that."

"It was set up for him, but again that is the nature of the game, you play a high-risk shot and you can get out doing that. This is why you need to be supportive as much as we can in this format. Batting at No.5 or 6, you do not get that many balls to face, and you don't have much time to settle in. Our job is to support the players and come the time, they are ready to play those shots in crunch situations," he added.

Before losing to South Africa, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side had defeated Pakistan and Netherlands. The inaugural T20 World Cup champions are currently occupying the second spot in Group 2 standings with 4 points.

India will face Zimbabwe in their last Super 12 match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday (November 6).

(With NDTV inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 01 Nov, 2022

    Share Via