'The middle-order didn't get enough opportunities' - Dinesh Karthik reveals his experience of batting at No.5 in World Cup 2019 semi-final

Dinesh Karthik, after playing his first match for India in 2004, made his World Cup debut after 15 years when he was included in the team’s lineup in place of Kedhar Jadhav. Karthik was a part of India’s World Cup squad in 2007 too. However, he did not make it into the starting XI.

Karthik finally made his World Cup debut in the 2019 edition of the marquee event. He donned the Indian jersey in the match against Bangladesh at Edgbaston, replacing a struggling Kedar Jadhav in the squad.

In a chat with Harsha Bhogle on Cricbuzz’s YouTube channel, Karthik opened up about his experience of playing in the mega-event. The Kolkata Knight Riders skipper also highlighted his experience after being promoted to No.5 in World Cup semis against New Zealand.

Karthik said that his initial role in the tournament was to play at the No.7 position while donning the finisher’s role. Karthik had a couple of great stints in the shorter format and hence, he was expected to steer India’s batting force in the death overs.

However, Karthik said that he didn’t really get a chance to flaunt his batting expertise as India’s top-order — Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul— was in phenomenal form in the tournament. But Karthik’s chance came in the semi-final against the Kiwis where India’s batting force collapsed. Karthik braced the crease when the scorecard read 5/3 in 3.1 overs. He scored 6 runs off 25 deliveries before falling at the 10th over mark.

James Neesham pulled off a stunner to dismiss Dinesh Karthik

Karthik, who was expected to play the role of an explosive finisher in the tournament, stuck till the 10th over and endured the fiery spell of Trent Boult and Matt Henry. However, a stunning catch by James Neesham ended Karthik’s vigour. Karthik went to drive the delivery on the offside but Neesham dived and stretched towards his left to pull off an unbelievable catch.

Karthik’s departure multiplied India’s woes as the scoreboard reflected 24/4 when the wicketkeeper-batsman was walking towards the pavilion. Talking about the dressing room atmosphere, Karthik said that it was an irritating game for the players as India wanted to bowl in the match due to the rain interruption.

The second day, when India came to chase the total, was a completely different game as the side lost early wickets. Everyone anticipated India to lift their third 50-overs World Cup trophy. However, the Kiwis dented the dream of every Indian fan.

Chasing a target of 240 runs, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni did their best, but once they were out, India’s chances of progressing into the final were derailed.

Here’s the video: