Dinesh Karthik played the IPL playoffs after taking injections: TNCA secretary

Veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik played the 2021 Indian Premier League playoffs after taking injections, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association secretary S Ramaswami said. Karthik is believed to be suffering from a knee injury and hence, the right-hander won’t be playing in the upcoming edition of the Syed Mushtaq T20 Trophy to start on November 4.

Karthik was set to lead Tamil Nadu in the domestic tournament, but due to his unavailability, Vijay Shankar has been named the skipper of the team. Tamil Nadu will cross swords with Maharashtra in the opening game of their tournament. The final of the league is scheduled to take place on November 24.

“Karthik had played the IPL playoffs (for Kolkata Knight Riders) after taking injections. So, we have replaced him with Vijay Shankar as captain,” Ramaswami was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

Dinesh Karthik not having the best of IPLs

Karthik didn’t have an overly great outing in the 2021 IPL while playing for the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders. He scored 223 runs from 15 innings at an average of 22.30 and a strike rate of 131.17.

In the final on Friday, October 15, he could only manage nine runs before Ravindra Jadeja accounted for his wicket. The Knight Riders lost to the Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Karthik last played international cricket back in 2019 during the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Thereafter, he lost his place in the team. In 2021, Karthik has also been seen weaving his magic in the commentary box and garnering praises from the greats of the game.

In the meantime, Washington Sundar has also been ruled out of the upcoming edition of the SMAT. The tweaker missed out on the series against England and couldn’t take part for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.

Rahul Dravid, the head at the National Cricket Academy, confirmed that the youngster needs a bit more time to gain full fitness.

“I have spoken to Rahul Dravid about Washi and he has told me that the player is still not ready. Rahul has advised us not to rush him and we are abiding by the suggestion,” Ramaswami added.