ICC T20 World Cup 2022, IND vs BAN: Dinesh Karthik's back spasms make him a doubtful starter

Senior Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik will be doubtful for India's upcoming 2022 ICC T20 World Cup Super 12 game versus Bangladesh at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday. He has suffered back spasms, forcing him to leave the field at the Perth Stadium during Sunday's final five overs of the South Africa contest. Karthik's injury could pave the way for young Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's admission into the playing XI. Pant handled the wicketkeeping duties from the 16th over till the end of the encounter versus South Africa on Sunday after Karthik left the field in pain. The direct reason could be icy conditions which can cause these niggles.

The severity of the back spasm couldn't be confirmed, but it usually takes three to five days for the pain to heal if it is a nominal one. "Karthik felt pain in his lower back. We haven't heard about the severity of his back spasm. The medical team is working on getting him fit, as heat treatment and massaging help quickly reduce discomfort. So, don't rule him out yet," a senior BCCI official briefed PTI.

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Karthik has had an underwhelming tournament, scoring one versus arch-rival Pakistan and six off 15 deliveries against South Africa. He is a specified finisher, but being unable to cope with the pace and bounce on offer in Perth with insufficient backing for Suryakumar Yadav in their 52-run partnership did invite some criticism.

The Indian coaching team has also met some objections for possessing a counter-attacking player like Pant out of the XI. In Test matches, Pant has relished astonishing success in Australia. He is a finer player of horizontal bat shots compared to Karthik.

(With inputs from PTI)