NewKerala.com

Karthik Backs Abhishek-Samson Opening Duo for India's T20 World Cup Decider

Former cricketer Dinesh Karthik has advocated for India to continue with the new opening partnership of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson for their decisive match against the West Indies. He highlighted how their left-right combination created favorable matchups, even preventing Zimbabwe from using their preferred bowling options early. The duo helped India post a tournament-high score of 256/4 against Zimbabwe, with the entire top order contributing. India now faces a virtual knockout against the West Indies in Kolkata to decide the final semifinalist from their group.

Key Points: Dinesh Karthik: Continue Abhishek & Samson as Openers

  • Left-right combo pressures bowlers
  • Partnership posted huge total vs Zimbabwe
  • Crucial virtual knockout vs West Indies
  • Top six batters all contributed
2 min read

"The matchup is working in favour....": Dinesh Karthik feels India should continue left-right-hand opening combination of Abhishek and Samson

Dinesh Karthik urges India to keep the left-right opening combo of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson for the crucial T20 World Cup match vs West Indies.

"the matchup is working in favour of India - Dinesh Karthik"

Chennai, February 27

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes the left-right-hand opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson should be continued for the winner-take-all contest with the West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday.

It may have taken some time to find the right balance, but India appears to have finally locked in their best batting mix at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

It was the new-look opening pair of Abhishek Sharma (55) and Sanju Samson (24) that did the damage during the early overs, with Ishan Kishan (38), Suryakumar Yadav (33), Hardik Pandya (50*) and Tilak Varma (44*) all getting in on the act as India posted the highest score of the T20 World Cup so far (256/4) and the second biggest in the tournament's history against Zimbabwe on Thursday in Chennai.

"India haven't been getting those opening starts, so when someone like Sanju and Abhishek open together, it's a lot of pressure having a right-left combination," Karthik told ICC Digital after the match.

"They (Zimbabwe) in fact didn't bowl off-spin because probably Sanju was there. Otherwise, Sikander Raza is known to take the new ball. The fact that he didn't tells you that they were worried that the right-hander was there, so the matchup is working in favour of India. Sanju got going soon after Abhishek absolutely smashed it, and that's something that we are so used to seeing," he added.

"And I think at times we take it for granted what he's doing is special, and it's hard to be consistent, which he was. Yes, a bit of a blip at the start of the World Cup, but when he comes good, India is always cruising to a fantastic scope," he concluded.

India got contributions from all of their top six batters as they put Zimbabwe to the sword in Chennai on Thursday, setting up a cut-throat clash against the West Indies at Eden Gardens that will determine who claims the final spot in the knockout stages.

Zimbabwe's 72-run loss to India, following a 107-run loss to West Indies, has sealed their exit from the T20 World Cup, with South Africa qualifying for the semifinal from their group and the shoot-off for the second semifinal spot in Group 1 being between India and West Indies, who will play a virtual knockout match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 1.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's brilliant to watch. The tactical advantage is clear - Zimbabwe couldn't use their off-spinner with the new ball. India's batting depth looks scary good now.
A
Ananya R
Finally some stability at the top! But we must remember it was just one match against Zimbabwe. The real test is against West Indies' pace. Hope they can handle the pressure in Kolkata. 🤞
V
Vikram M
Abhishek's intent is what we were missing. He sets the tone. And Sanju, after waiting for so long, is grabbing his chance. Eden Gardens will be electric! Best of luck, boys.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I think we're getting a bit carried away. One big score doesn't solve all problems. The middle order collapse against SA is still fresh. Consistency is key.
P
Priya S
So happy for Sanju! He has been in and out for years. This partnership feels fresh and aggressive, just what T20 cricket needs. Let them play with freedom. 💙

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50