‘We are locked in for the four semi-finalists’ - Dinesh Karthik hints at India leading group stage ahead of knockout

Team India’s performance at the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 speaks volumes. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue are yet to lose a game at the prestigious tournament. Having played six games in the tournament so far, India has registered dominant wins in every game and shown that they mean business.

Leading the group stage with 12 points in six matches, every fan expects the hosts to make it to the knockout stages of the tournament and hopefully eventually go all the way to lifting the coveted title. Speaking of the side’s form, veteran wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik opined that the top four of the tournament have been solidified already.

“I think with this win and with what happened yesterday (Australia defeating New Zealand), we are locked in for the four semi-finalists. It could be a tournament where it has been decided early, and it looks more likely that will be the case unless something extraordinary happens, which I personally don't think will happen,” Dinesh Karthik told the ICC.

I think we pretty much know who No. 1 is going to be: Karthik

Furthermore, Dinesh Karthik also stated that with the four semi-finalists secured, it is only a matter of who will finish in the no. 2, 3, and 4 spots in the standings, hinting that India will be finishing first with the form that they are in.

“We have the four semi-finalists; it's just a matter of who is going to be No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4. I think we pretty much know who No. 1 is going to be, so it is going to be a question of who is going to be facing India and who No. 2 and No. 3 are. It is not being cocky; it is just with the quality of cricket they are playing,” Dinesh Karthik said.

For their next assignment, Team India will be going up against Sri Lanka in the 33rd game of the World Cup. Both sides will take centre stage at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, November 2.