'King of comebacks' - Twitter delighted with Dinesh Karthik returning to India's T20I squad after more than 3 years

Senior Indian and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter Dinesh Karthik has made a comeback to the Indian national squad after a gap of more than three years. The right-handed batter played his last T20I match against Australia in February 2019. To note, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on May 22 (Sunday) named an 18-member squad that will play a five-match T20 series against South Africa.

The five-match series will be played in India with the first encounter to take place in New Delhi on June 9, followed by encounters in Cuttack (June 12), Visakhapatnam (June 14), Rajkot (June 17), and the final match in Bengaluru on June 19 (Sunday). To note, Cricket South Africa (CSA) had recently announced their 16-member squad for the tour with several prominent players featuring in their line-up.

Dinesh Karthik has been in impressive touch in IPL 2022

After getting released by the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the right-handed batter Karthik was purchased by the RCB during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. Coming to bat during the end overs, the right-handed batter has played some excellent knocks for his new franchise. In the ongoing season, Karthik has scored 287 runs in 14 innings at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 191.33. He has also remained unbeaten on nine occasions highlighting his finishing abilities.

Talking about his overall numbers in IPL, the 36-year-old has played 227 matches in the tournament and has amassed a total of 4333 runs at an impressive strike rate of 132.55. He has also stroked 20 fifties with the bat. In the T20I format, Karthik has represented India in 32 matches and has scored 399 runs at an excellent strike rate of 143.53. The senior batter has also represented India in 94 ODIs and 26 Tests.

As mentioned above, Karthik has been in some impressive form in the current IPL edition and has been finishing off games for his side with the bat.  With RCB ready to face the new entrants Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their playoffs match, the wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu will want to give his best for the Red Army and try them to lift their maiden IPL cup.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to his India comeback:

Expecting the DK show we are accustomed to getting these days

— Clown police (@Starkshaggy1) May 22, 2022

Yay !! Dinesh Karthik in the squad… 🤩 https://t.co/CIUOBaSfq2

— Aparajita Ray (@AparajitaRay20) May 22, 2022

Richly deserved return to the Indian team @DineshKarthik, well done 👏🏽
Good to see #KulCha and @hardikpandya7 back too!
India’s pace battery is now richer with two very talented bowlers, @arshdeepsinghh and Umran 🔥
Tripathi still doesn't get a spot though.

— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) May 22, 2022

King of comebacks🔥💥 @DineshKarthik

— Abhishek Jha (@Abhishe68966440) May 22, 2022

Happy to see Arshdeep, Dinesh Karthik in the T20 setup, both deserve to be there after performing so well and Sanju, Tripathi have been unlucky ig in the selection. Looking forward to the T20 series vs SA.

— Bhawana (@bhawnakohli5) May 22, 2022

So happy for @DineshKarthik 's comeback into the Indian team.
His passion and work ethic is the reason for his unbelievable comeback. Seen him from close quarters how hard he has worked. Hope the good run continues and wish him the best!
Go well Dinesh na🤗❤️

— Indrajith baba (@IndrajithBaba) May 22, 2022

He deserves the way he is playing #dineshkarthik and congrats to Arshdeep and Umran for making the cut @arshdeepsinghh @umranmalik555

— Vishal (@Vishal61932181) May 22, 2022

If there’s one reason for all of us to rejoice , it’s the return of the resilient @DineshKarthik back into the team . One of the great examples of modern day sporting comebacks. Well done my friend !

— Siddhant Narayan (@siddhantnarayan) May 22, 2022

Can't wait to see Umran Malik steaming in, donning an #India jersey 🚅

Dinesh Karthik is a phoenix rising from the ashes 🔥

Rahul Tripathi will soon kick down the door to get in 🚪💣#Cricket #UmranMalik #DineshKarthik #RahulTripathi

— Yashesh (@YasheshJ) May 22, 2022

Dinesh Karthik back in the team.Great comeback ❤️
Sanju Samson misses out
Rahul Tripathi,the most deserving misses too
Don't know how Arshdeep gets a call-up
Natarajan missing out will prove costly
Fluke players Gaikwad and Ishan still in team .

Pujara back for tests#IndvsSA

— Mainak (@agent_hillfiger) May 22, 2022