IND vs PAK LIVE: Dinesh Karthik or Deepak Hooda: The Indian team management have a big selection headache ahead of the India vs Pakistan encounter on August 28. Ahead of India’s first game against Pakistan, they will have to pick either of Deepak Hooda or Dinesh Karthik in the playing XI. India captain Rohit Sharma and interim coach VVS Laxman will be taking the final call on the matter. Follow Asia Cup cricket live updates with InsideSport.IN
Both of them are talented and dangerous players. Bit, it could all boil down to, who has a bigger chance of making a big impact. The situation is a tricky one for the team management.
Hooda is someone, who can contribute with both the bat and ball. More importantly, the player has not disappointed when he has been given the opportunity. In fact, he has a T20 hundred against his name as well.
With him being good form, and also lending balance, Laxman and co will have to think twice before ignoring him. The same can be said for Karthik. He has been a game-changer for India in some of the matches. He possesses that rare ability to win matches from impossible situations as well.
In the past few months, it is quite evident that the team has been favouring Karthik. They have played him even alongside Rishabh Pant, which means they are looking at him in the Playing XI.
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Karthik has been looked upon as a finisher. He has been given that role after his exploits in IPL 2022 with Royal Challengers Bangalore. The franchise used him in the last few overs, irrespective of the batting number. India have used him in a similar manner, and one does not see that being changed.
In all probability, Karthik is set to get the nod. If they don’t pick him, the selectors will look foolish. Keeping him in the bench would question the selection of Karthik as a 37-year-old. More importantly, he has also been touted to play in the T20 World Cup, which just makes his case of selection stronger in the Asia Cup.
