'Don’t know how will they fit him in' - Dinesh Karthik unsure about Hanuma Vihari's inclusion for South Africa Tests

India’s wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik has opened up on Hanuma Vihari’s place in the team’s Test squad. India is all set to tour South Africa for three Test matches and as many ODIs. However, ahead of the squad announcement, Karthik has reckoned that it is difficult for Vihari to fit in the Test setup now.

Hanuma Vihari has been a regular in the India squad for the longest format. However, he did not find a spot in the Test series against New Zealand as he was rather sent to South Africa with India A team. Previously, he did travel with the side for the England Tests but did not make it to the playing XI.

Karthik spoke about India’s probable squad for the South Africa tour. He shed light on the recent performances of the players and added that Vihari’s inclusion, in this case, looks doubtful.

Where does a Vihari fit in that’s an important question: Dinesh Karthik

“This whole group of KL Rahul, Rohit, and Mayank will be the three openers, followed by Pujara, Rahane and Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill will be the batters. Don’t know what will happen to Hanuma Vihari. Ideally, he should have been part of the squad, but it sad that he had to go and play for India A. Are they going to fit him in when he comes back to the squad? Because everyone here has done enough to hold on to their places.

Even the ones getting 30s and 40s, which cannot be undervalued, have looked set on tough wickets. Kanpur and Mumbai were not easy wickets. They applied themselves and played good shots. So where does a Vihari fit in that’s an important question. Has Iyer done enough to come and take over Vihari’s place,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.

Ajinkya Rahane has been experiencing a lean patch with his willow lately. His average has also been a concerning factor for the team. Karthik, however. feels that Rahane has done well while leading the team and that the management will back the experienced players.

“Another man there who is hanging on by the skin of the teeth – Rahane. He is the vice-captain and has done phenomenally well as a captain. Where does he do? But knowing Rahul Dravid, he will go with the tried and tested method of going with Pujara and Rahane to start with, and then when things unfold he will unravel another and makes changes necessary,”  Karthik added.