'There’s a lot at stake' - Dinesh Karthik stresses on deeper meaning of India's tour to the Caribbean

After being outplayed by Australia in the World Test Championship final, India made a few bold calls as players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan were given Test caps, and at the same time, veteran cricketer Ajinkya Rahane was reappointed as the vice-captain of the side. However, there were critics questioning the significance of the two-match Test series. Answering their queries, stumper-batter Dinesh Karthik stated that it’s an opportunity for the new bunch to express themselves.

The Chennai-born cricketer believes that the young cricketers will be desperate to make a mark, and that is one of the biggest positives of India’s tour to the West Indies. He added that a lot is at stake as it is the beginning of another World Test Championship cycle.

“For a lot of players, for the likes of Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur - is he the all-rounder that we are looking for? 

“Many questions are there. And for that, this series is going to be very important. Here is a chance for the Indian batting to stand up and get the scores that we are all used to seeing over a period of time. As players, a lot of these names are trying to make a mark. It’s the start of a new World Test Championship cycle. There’s a lot at stake,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was very sure about what kind of shots he wants to play: Karthik

Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal was phenomenal with the bat on Day 1 of the first Test. After a slow start, the UP-born cricketer gained momentum and ended the day by scoring 40* runs. Dinesh Karthik was very impressed with his shot-making ability and eventually lauded him on his debut performance.

“It was great to see the debutant come in and take on the fast bowlers. Also, when spinners came, he realized that this pitch might not be easy for batting, so he took on the spinners, played some audacious shots. He was very sure about what kind of shots he wants to play, which augurs well for him,” Karthik stated.