Karthik should play against South Africa: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Wednesday said that wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has ‘done enough’ in the two practice matches to earn his place in the playing XI against South Africa in the Champions Trophy in Cardiff on Thursday.

‘He (Dinesh Karthik) has to play tomorrow. He has rescued India twice in the practice matches. He has been in good form and has done enough to make his place in the side,’ Gavaskar said.

Despite Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay failing to impress in the games against Sri Lanka and Australia, Gavaskar felt India should still go with regular openers against a strong South African bowling line-up.

‘I don’t think India would want to unsettle their opening pair. They might have struggled in the practice matches but still they would require regular openers in seaming English conditions,’ Gavaskar said. ‘Openers will be crucial for the team. India will looking for a solid start from their openers to help the middle order batsmen.’