ICC World Cup 2019: Simon Katich emphasizes Dinesh Karthik's role as the finisher

The Kolkata Knight Riders’ assistant coach Simon Katich is positive about Dinesh Karthik’s position in India’s World Cup mix. The former Australian cricketer has worked with Dinesh Karthik, the current KKR captain, for a while and is well aware of his skills. Katich has claimed that Karthik will once again shine in his finisher’s role that’s been appointed to him. Hence, it consolidates Karthik’s spot in India’s World Cup squad.

India played its final 50-overs games ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against Australia. After leading 2-0 in the series, the hosts lost the five-match ODI series to Australia by 3-2. After the 3rd ODI in Ranchi, MS Dhoni was rested for the final two games and Pant was incorporated into the squad but he could only produce scores 36 and 16 in the 4th and 5th ODIs respectively.

The former Australian cricketer was all praises for the Aussies for their limited-overs performance and expressed his feelings to the media. He heaped praises for the Australian batting line-up and also spoke about their chances of winning the upcoming World Cup. “The top order was outstanding especially Khawaja, Ashton Turner was great too. Having Smith and Warner back before the World Cup gives us more confidence. Their form hasn’t been brilliant in the last few months but World Cup cricket is all about playing six weeks brilliantly,” Katich was quoted as saying in Sportstar.

Katich on Dinesh Karthik’s World Cup role

Dinesh Karthik, who didn’t feature in any of the five one-dayers against Australia, is back in the contest for World Cup selection after Rishabh Pant failed to seize the opportunity that he was given. Australia’s veteran batsman spoke about where the Kolkata Knight Riders captain should bat in the Indian line-up, recommending a position down the line, that is a finisher role. 

Katich also slyly suggested that Dinesh Karthik would use the Indian Premier League as an opportunity to showcase his mettle that does not falter in pressure situations. “I think what Dinesh brings in his experience [especially when under pressure]. He has played that role very well for India and for us. You know what you will get from him down the innings. He is hard to bowl to. So he will be in the mix for the World Cup. It will give the Indian selectors a tough job to pick with so much talent around,” Katich told reporters on Thursday, March 14.

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