'Back our coach, captain and selectors' - Maninder Singh slams Dinesh Karthik's critics

India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been sensational ever since he made his return to the Indian team. Based on his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season, the Tamil Nadu-based cricketer was called up by the selectors for the national team. However, some of the former cricketers questioned the BCCI’s decision of putting Karthik in the squad.

Head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma want Karthik as the premium finisher in the squad and they have clarified that they want the wicketkeeper-batter to come in the death overs and help the team to finish strong. On the other hand, a section of the supporters and former cricketers have doubts over his abilities, especially as Rishabh Pant has established himself as a keeper-batter in the team.

Which is why some feel that he is “blocking” a spot in the team. However, former India spinner Maninder Singh believes that the team management is working on a plan and everyone should back them. Notably, Rohit Sharma and team India are trying a new aggressive method of batting in T20Is. Maninder suggested that trusting the process as team India has been extremely successful so far.

“This is a new experiment that we are doing and there’s nothing wrong in doing some experiments before you go into the World Cup. If it succeeds then everybody’s gonna start saying ‘what a wonderful job done’,” Singh was quoted by Hindustan Times.

I would love to see Dinesh Karthik bat for more overs: Maninder Singh

Given his current role in the squad, Karthik is only expected to play the finisher’s role in the team. Maninder said that he wants to see Karthik batting for some more overs instead of just coming towards the end.

“Every coach comes with a different plan, every captain comes with a different plan. I feel we need (to) back our coach and captain and our selectors as well. They are trying these things, if it doesn’t work out, then you can always go back but you’ve got to keep on trying. But like I said, I would love to see him bat for more overs but if this is what Rahul Dravid, his captain and the selectors have decided, I think let’s back them,” Maninder added.