England's star wicketkeeper and batsman Jonny Bairstow was recently ruled out of their squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup after he suffered an injury during a freak accident while golfing.

Reports suggest that he sustained a 'lower limb injury', more specifically on his left leg. However, as the extent of the injury remains unknown, Bairstow is scheduled to meet a specialist in the near future to ascertain the most optimal path to recovery.

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The English and Wales Cricket Board came out with a statement, declaring Bairstow's condition and informing fans of his absence.&nbsp;"England and Yorkshire batter Jonathan Bairstow has been ruled out of the rest of the summer and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Bairstow sustained a lower limb injury in a freak accident whilst playing golf on Friday in Leeds," read the ECB statement.&nbsp;

Bairstow himself took to social media to offer fans some insight and clarity with respect to his situation. "Unfortunately, I am going to be unavailable of [sic] games/tours in the immediate future. The reason being is that I have injured my lower leg in a freak accident and it shall need an operation."

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"The injury came when I slipped on the golf course this morning. I am gutted and want to wish everyone for this week at The Oval all the best firstly and the boys that are going to Australia for the T20 World Cup. Absolutely gutted! I will be back," wrote Bairstow in a post on Instagram.

England's T20 World Cup aspirations have been dealt a massive blow as Bairstow is one of their seniormost players in white-ball cricket and one of the most prolific scorers in international Test cricket this year. The Poms are yet to announce his replacement; however, Will Jacks is being eyed as the player to stand-in for Bairstow.

England's star wicketkeeper and batsman Jonny Bairstow was recently ruled out of their squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup after he suffered an injury during a freak accident while golfing.

England's star wicketkeeper and batsman Jonny Bairstow was recently ruled out of their squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup after he suffered an injury during a freak accident while golfing. Reports suggest that he sustained a 'lower limb injury', more specifically on his left leg. However, as the extent of the injury remains unknown, Bairstow is scheduled to meet a specialist in the near future to ascertain the most optimal path to recovery. ALSO READ: Huge blow for India as Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of Asia Cup 2022, Axar Patel named replacement The English and Wales Cricket Board came out with a statement, declaring Bairstow's condition and informing fans of his absence. "England and Yorkshire batter Jonathan Bairstow has been ruled out of the rest of the summer and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Bairstow sustained a lower limb injury in a freak accident whilst playing golf on Friday in Leeds," read the ECB statement. Bairstow himself took to social media to offer fans some insight and clarity with respect to his situation. "Unfortunately, I am going to be unavailable of [sic] games/tours in the immediate future. The reason being is that I have injured my lower leg in a freak accident and it shall need an operation." ALSO READ: BCCI shell out big bucks to acquire Neeraj Chopra's javelin belonging to Prime Minister Modi's collection "The injury came when I slipped on the golf course this morning. I am gutted and want to wish everyone for this week at The Oval all the best firstly and the boys that are going to Australia for the T20 World Cup. Absolutely gutted! I will be back," wrote Bairstow in a post on Instagram. England's T20 World Cup aspirations have been dealt a massive blow as Bairstow is one of their seniormost players in white-ball cricket and one of the most prolific scorers in international Test cricket this year. The Poms are yet to announce his replacement; however, Will Jacks is being eyed as the player to stand-in for Bairstow.

England dealt major blow ahead of T20 World Cup as Jonny Bairstow suffers freak injury

The legendary Ricky Ponting has lavished praise on Team India's star batter Suryakumar Yadav hailing him for his ability to play shots 360 degrees around the ground. The former Australia skipper believes Surykumar should be India's number four at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia this year.

Suryakumar has been a prolific run-getter for India in limited-overs cricket ever since making his debut for the Men in Blue last year. He was selected in India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 last year owing to his consistency, however, the right-hand batter failed to live up to the expectations as India bowed out from the group stage.

However, he has once again been consistent with the willow in the run-up to the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year and looks set to be part of India's squad for the showpiece event. Ponting believes Suryakumar should be part of India's playing XI if he is picked and that fans in Australia will enjoy his batting.

"He's a very, very exciting player and I'm sure someone that's going to find himself in their team, not just their squad," Ponting said on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

"I think you'd find him in their team for the T20 World Cup. And if he's in that team, then I think all the fans in Australia are going to see a very, very good player. He's quite a confident person. He backs himself and he's never going to step down from a challenge or any situation that arises in a game. I feel he thinks he can win that situation and therefore go on and win the game for his team," the former Australia captain added.

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Ponting went on to compare Suryakumar with South African great AB de Villiers, who was known for his wide range of shots. The former Australia captain believes Surykumar has a similar range as a batter and can play a variety of strokes to send the ball to all parts of the ground.

"Surya (Yadav) scores 360 degrees around the ground, a bit like an AB de Villiers did when he was in his actual prime. The lap shots, the late cuts, you know, the ramps over the keeper's head. He can hit down the ground," Ponting said.

"He hits really well over the leg side, flicks to deep backward square particularly well, and he's a good player of fast bowling and is a good player of spin bowling," he added.

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Suryakumar has so far played 13 ODIs and 23 T20Is for India, amassing 340 and 672 runs in the two formats respectively. He averages 37.33 in T20Is and has struck at an impressive 175.45. Suryakumar is also among the elite list of batters to have scored a century for India&nbsp;in T20Is.

The legendary Ricky Ponting has lavished praise on Team India's star batter Suryakumar Yadav hailing him for his ability to play shots 360 degrees around the ground.

The legendary Ricky Ponting has lavished praise on Team India's star batter Suryakumar Yadav hailing him for his ability to play shots 360 degrees around the ground. The former Australia skipper believes Surykumar should be India's number four at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia this year. Suryakumar has been a prolific run-getter for India in limited-overs cricket ever since making his debut for the Men in Blue last year. He was selected in India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 last year owing to his consistency, however, the right-hand batter failed to live up to the expectations as India bowed out from the group stage. However, he has once again been consistent with the willow in the run-up to the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year and looks set to be part of India's squad for the showpiece event. Ponting believes Suryakumar should be part of India's playing XI if he is picked and that fans in Australia will enjoy his batting. "He's a very, very exciting player and I'm sure someone that's going to find himself in their team, not just their squad," Ponting said on the latest episode of The ICC Review. "I think you'd find him in their team for the T20 World Cup. And if he's in that team, then I think all the fans in Australia are going to see a very, very good player. He's quite a confident person. He backs himself and he's never going to step down from a challenge or any situation that arises in a game. I feel he thinks he can win that situation and therefore go on and win the game for his team," the former Australia captain added. Also Read: Saqlain told me about Sachin, I didn't know him: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar Ponting went on to compare Suryakumar with South African great AB de Villiers, who was known for his wide range of shots. The former Australia captain believes Surykumar has a similar range as a batter and can play a variety of strokes to send the ball to all parts of the ground. "Surya (Yadav) scores 360 degrees around the ground, a bit like an AB de Villiers did when he was in his actual prime. The lap shots, the late cuts, you know, the ramps over the keeper's head. He can hit down the ground," Ponting said. "He hits really well over the leg side, flicks to deep backward square particularly well, and he's a good player of fast bowling and is a good player of spin bowling," he added. Also Read: 'Let him practice': BCCI president Ganguly reacts to Kohli's lean patch ahead of Asia Cup 2022 Suryakumar has so far played 13 ODIs and 23 T20Is for India, amassing 340 and 672 runs in the two formats respectively. He averages 37.33 in T20Is and has struck at an impressive 175.45. Suryakumar is also among the elite list of batters to have scored a century for India in T20Is.

'He scores 360 degrees around the ground': Ricky Ponting compares Team India star to AB de Villiers

Rishabh Pant got a golden opportunity to captain the Indian team in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul in the recently-concluded T20I series against South Africa at home. While Rohit was rested from the series, Rahul, who was supposed to lead the team in his absence suffered an injury ahead of the opening game making way for Pant to take over as captain.

While Pant enjoyed a great time as captain and helped India draw the series 2-2 after facing back-to-back defeats in the first two matches, his personal form with the bat was far from best. Pant had a poor outing with the willow against the Proteas managing scores of 29, 5, 6 and 17 in the first four games before the fifth T20I was called off due to rain.

Amid his poor show with the bat, questions have been raised over Pant's spot in the Indian T20I side with many debating if the wicket-keeper batter deserves a spot in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. With the World Cup in Australia just 4 months away, Pant's poor form can cost him a place in the side amid the sensational return of Dinesh Karthik and Ishan Kishan also firing at the top.

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Speaking about Pant's chances of making it to India's squad for T20 World Cup 2022, former India pacer Ashish Nehra said his spot is not guaranteed in the side. The former pacer pointed out how Pant has been popular amongst all right from his initial days in international cricket due to his explosive batting but asserted that there is no stamp that India can't play the World Cup without him in Australia this year.

“Right from day one, we knew he(Pant) is going to be popular. He came the first day and then got dropped as he flopped initially. Then he came back and made a name for himself. I am very sure he will be disappointed with the kind of T20 numbers he had," Nehra said on Cricbuzz after the conclusion of India's T20I series against South Africa.

"The question this person asked was ‘can Team India play T20 cricket without Pant? Yes, Why Not. T20 World Cup is very far away. There is no stamp that says Pant will surely play the T20 World Cup. He can also get injured. But there are a lot of games in between. We will have ten T20Is and then the Asia Cup," he added.

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Pant has been one of the regulars for India in the shortest format over the last few years but has failed to impress much despite having been given a long run. He has so far managed 741 runs in 48 T20Is at an average of 23.15 and a strike rate of over 123.

He has certainly not done justice to his talent and skills in the shortest format and will be hoping to spark a turnaround in the upcoming matches for the Men in Blue. He has been rested from India's upcoming T20I series against Ireland and will be seen in action during the one-off 5th Test against England next.

Rishabh Pant got a golden opportunity to captain the Indian team in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul in the recently-concluded T20I series against South Africa at home.

Rishabh Pant got a golden opportunity to captain the Indian team in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul in the recently-concluded T20I series against South Africa at home. While Rohit was rested from the series, Rahul, who was supposed to lead the team in his absence suffered an injury ahead of the opening game making way for Pant to take over as captain. While Pant enjoyed a great time as captain and helped India draw the series 2-2 after facing back-to-back defeats in the first two matches, his personal form with the bat was far from best. Pant had a poor outing with the willow against the Proteas managing scores of 29, 5, 6 and 17 in the first four games before the fifth T20I was called off due to rain. Amid his poor show with the bat, questions have been raised over Pant's spot in the Indian T20I side with many debating if the wicket-keeper batter deserves a spot in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. With the World Cup in Australia just 4 months away, Pant's poor form can cost him a place in the side amid the sensational return of Dinesh Karthik and Ishan Kishan also firing at the top. Also Read: India script history, break Australia's impressive T20I record after South Africa series ends in 2-2 draw Speaking about Pant's chances of making it to India's squad for T20 World Cup 2022, former India pacer Ashish Nehra said his spot is not guaranteed in the side. The former pacer pointed out how Pant has been popular amongst all right from his initial days in international cricket due to his explosive batting but asserted that there is no stamp that India can't play the World Cup without him in Australia this year. “Right from day one, we knew he(Pant) is going to be popular. He came the first day and then got dropped as he flopped initially. Then he came back and made a name for himself. I am very sure he will be disappointed with the kind of T20 numbers he had," Nehra said on Cricbuzz after the conclusion of India's T20I series against South Africa. "The question this person asked was ‘can Team India play T20 cricket without Pant? Yes, Why Not. T20 World Cup is very far away. There is no stamp that says Pant will surely play the T20 World Cup. He can also get injured. But there are a lot of games in between. We will have ten T20Is and then the Asia Cup," he added. Also Read: Pant or Karthik? Irfan Pathan names his choice while picking Rohit & Co.'s ideal T20 WC XI Pant has been one of the regulars for India in the shortest format over the last few years but has failed to impress much despite having been given a long run. He has so far managed 741 runs in 48 T20Is at an average of 23.15 and a strike rate of over 123. He has certainly not done justice to his talent and skills in the shortest format and will be hoping to spark a turnaround in the upcoming matches for the Men in Blue. He has been rested from India's upcoming T20I series against Ireland and will be seen in action during the one-off 5th Test against England next.

No stamp that says Rishabh Pant will surely play in T20 WC 2022: Ex-India pacer makes big statement

Dinesh Karthik has made a sensational comeback to the Indian cricket team after a brilliant campaign for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the recently-concluded IPL 2022. He emerged as one of the best finishers in the tournament and produced some memorable knocks for RCB batting in the lower-middle order to earn a recall in the Indian team after a gap of three years.

Karthik had last played for India during the 2019 ODI World Cup and had failed to make his comeback to the team across any format. He even enjoyed a commentary stint during India's tour of England last year with many writing him off. However, the veteran wicket-keeper batter has had an incredible redemption this year.

He has continued his finishing heroics for the Indian team in their ongoing T20I series against South Africa at home after an exceptional IPL campaign. Karthik played a brilliant knock of 56 runs off just 27 balls in the 4th T20I against South Africa on Friday to help India win the game by 82 runs and reaffirm his credentials as one of the best finishers in the Indian team at present.

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Lauding him after his terrific knock against the Proteas in the 4th T20I in Rajkot, former India pacer Ashish Nehra said India needs experienced players like Karthik in the lower middle-order for the T20 World Cup in Australia this year. Nehra said players like Karthik can help India chase down targets of 200 in Australia.

"Today he batted at No.6, which I liked, and that fact that he scored a half-century...his innings was longer and he got to bat earlier in the game...so these are the expectation you have from your most experienced player whom you have recalled to the team," Nehra said on Cricbuzz.

"Yes he does score runs in the last 3-4 overs but experience means that he knows a lot many other things as well. Selectors, team management should all be happy. The knock surely will give him confidence as well and going forward, in this entire talk about impact at that batting position...you have Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and then the experience of Karthik. He is the kind of player who can help you chase down even targets of 200 in Australia,” he added.

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Karthik has so far scored 84 runs in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa striking at an impressive 158.6 out of which 84 runs have come in the slog overs at a strike rate of over 186. He has truly been in the form of his life and Nehra believes the veteran keeper batter has already sealed his spot in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad.

“He has already booked his place in the T20 World Cup squad. He scored 55 at a strike rate of 200," said the former India pacer following Karthik's 56-run knock against the Proteas on Friday.

Dinesh Karthik has made a sensational comeback to the Indian cricket team after a brilliant campaign for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the recently-concluded IPL 2022.

Dinesh Karthik has made a sensational comeback to the Indian cricket team after a brilliant campaign for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the recently-concluded IPL 2022. He emerged as one of the best finishers in the tournament and produced some memorable knocks for RCB batting in the lower-middle order to earn a recall in the Indian team after a gap of three years. Karthik had last played for India during the 2019 ODI World Cup and had failed to make his comeback to the team across any format. He even enjoyed a commentary stint during India's tour of England last year with many writing him off. However, the veteran wicket-keeper batter has had an incredible redemption this year. He has continued his finishing heroics for the Indian team in their ongoing T20I series against South Africa at home after an exceptional IPL campaign. Karthik played a brilliant knock of 56 runs off just 27 balls in the 4th T20I against South Africa on Friday to help India win the game by 82 runs and reaffirm his credentials as one of the best finishers in the Indian team at present. Also Read: Rohit Sharma's old chat with Dinesh Karthik goes viral after his comeback Lauding him after his terrific knock against the Proteas in the 4th T20I in Rajkot, former India pacer Ashish Nehra said India needs experienced players like Karthik in the lower middle-order for the T20 World Cup in Australia this year. Nehra said players like Karthik can help India chase down targets of 200 in Australia. "Today he batted at No.6, which I liked, and that fact that he scored a half-century...his innings was longer and he got to bat earlier in the game...so these are the expectation you have from your most experienced player whom you have recalled to the team," Nehra said on Cricbuzz. "Yes he does score runs in the last 3-4 overs but experience means that he knows a lot many other things as well. Selectors, team management should all be happy. The knock surely will give him confidence as well and going forward, in this entire talk about impact at that batting position...you have Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and then the experience of Karthik. He is the kind of player who can help you chase down even targets of 200 in Australia,” he added. Also Read: 'Rishabh Pant is overweight': Danish Kaneria raises questions over Indian skipper's fitness Karthik has so far scored 84 runs in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa striking at an impressive 158.6 out of which 84 runs have come in the slog overs at a strike rate of over 186. He has truly been in the form of his life and Nehra believes the veteran keeper batter has already sealed his spot in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad. “He has already booked his place in the T20 World Cup squad. He scored 55 at a strike rate of 200," said the former India pacer following Karthik's 56-run knock against the Proteas on Friday.

He has already booked his place in T20 WC 2022 squad: Ashish Nehra makes bold claim about Dinesh Karthik

Mohammed Shami is one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the Indian setup at present but is unlikely to be part of the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, as per former India cricketer Ashish Nehra. Nehra believes Shami is not in the scheme of things for India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 which is just four months away. The next edition of the showpiece event will be played in Australia this year.

Shami was part of the Indian squad which had a disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE last year. He featured in India's clash against Namibia at the World Cup and has since not managed to play a single T20I for the Men in Blue. He is not part of India's squad in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa at home.

While many believe he has a chance to make his comeback in the T20I side ahead of the World Cup, Nehra feels Shami won't make the cut. However, the former India pacer backed Shami to be part of India's squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup which will be played at home next year.

"Seems like he doesn't feature in the current scheme of things for the T20 World Cup. But we all know about his abilities. Even if he doesn't play in this year's T20 World Cup, India will definitely consider him for the 2023 World Cup at home. We don't have many ODIs this year and Shami is on a break at the moment after the IPL. India can play him in England for the 50-over games after the Test match," Nehra said on Cricbuzz.

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Shami, who has been rested from the ongoing series against South Africa at home, will return to action when India take on England in the final sixth Test in July. He is expected to spearhead India's pace attack along with Jasprit Bumrah in the one-off Test match. Nehra wants India to play Shami in the white-ball matches as well after the Test match in order to have a full-strength bowling attack.

"We don't have many ODIs this year and Shami is on a break at the moment after IPL. India can play him in England for the 50-over games after the Test match. You will play three ODI games against a top-quality white-ball team like England, and you would definitely love to beat them. And for that, you need your best bowlers. I would definitely take Shami in that bracket," said Nehra.

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Shami along with the likes of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Bumrah had been rested from the T20I series against South Africa. India will next tour Ireland for a limited-overs series following the conclusion of the ongoing South Africa series before heading to England.

Mohammed Shami is one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the Indian setup at present but is unlikely to be part of the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, as per former India cricketer Ashish Nehra.

Mohammed Shami is one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the Indian setup at present but is unlikely to be part of the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, as per former India cricketer Ashish Nehra. Nehra believes Shami is not in the scheme of things for India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 which is just four months away. The next edition of the showpiece event will be played in Australia this year. Shami was part of the Indian squad which had a disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE last year. He featured in India's clash against Namibia at the World Cup and has since not managed to play a single T20I for the Men in Blue. He is not part of India's squad in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa at home. While many believe he has a chance to make his comeback in the T20I side ahead of the World Cup, Nehra feels Shami won't make the cut. However, the former India pacer backed Shami to be part of India's squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup which will be played at home next year. "Seems like he doesn't feature in the current scheme of things for the T20 World Cup. But we all know about his abilities. Even if he doesn't play in this year's T20 World Cup, India will definitely consider him for the 2023 World Cup at home. We don't have many ODIs this year and Shami is on a break at the moment after the IPL. India can play him in England for the 50-over games after the Test match," Nehra said on Cricbuzz. Also Read: Should be mandatory for every IPL franchise to have a women's team: Lalit Modi Shami, who has been rested from the ongoing series against South Africa at home, will return to action when India take on England in the final sixth Test in July. He is expected to spearhead India's pace attack along with Jasprit Bumrah in the one-off Test match. Nehra wants India to play Shami in the white-ball matches as well after the Test match in order to have a full-strength bowling attack. "We don't have many ODIs this year and Shami is on a break at the moment after IPL. India can play him in England for the 50-over games after the Test match. You will play three ODI games against a top-quality white-ball team like England, and you would definitely love to beat them. And for that, you need your best bowlers. I would definitely take Shami in that bracket," said Nehra. Also Read: 'Rishabh Pant is overweight': Danish Kaneria raises questions over Indian skipper's fitness Shami along with the likes of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Bumrah had been rested from the T20I series against South Africa. India will next tour Ireland for a limited-overs series following the conclusion of the ongoing South Africa series before heading to England.

'Seems like he doesn't feature': Ashish Nehra feels Mohammed Shami won't make it to India's T20 WC squad

Dinesh Karthik continues to strengthen his chances of nailing down a spot in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 with his stellar performances with the bat. After a brilliant IPL 2022, the veteran wicket-keeper batter has continued his fine form in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa at home. Karthik slammed a match-winning half-century to help India register a comfortable 82-run win in the 4th T20I against the Proteas on Friday (June 17).

Karthik made his return to the Indian team after a gap of three years in the ongoing South Africa series as he had last played for India during the 2019 ODI World Cup. He has been roped in as a finisher in the side and has been terrific so far batting in the lower middle-order for the Men in Blue.

Apart from Karthik, a number of other players have been presenting a strong case for selection in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 which is just four months away. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Avesh Khan among others have made the most of the opportunities coming their way and are set to give the national selectors a tough time in finalising the squad for the showpiece event in Australia later this year.

While Karthik and a few others have impressed in their respective roles, there are concerns over the forms of some of the regular players. Rishabh Pant, who is leading the Indian team against South Africa in the absence of KL Rahul, has seen his performance dip and is struggling to score runs consistently.

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Pant has so far scored only 57 runs in 4 matches against South Africa in the ongoing series and is behind Karthik in the pecking order for selection in India's squad for T20 World Cup 2022, as per former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn. Steyn believes Karthik is ahead of Pant and should be one of the first names on paper when India's squad is selected.

"Pant has had four opportunities now in this series and he seems to be making the same mistake. You could say that good players learn from their mistakes, but he hasn't. And DK has come up just every single time and shown what a class player he is. I think if you want to win World Cups, you pick a guy who is in form," Steyn said on ESPNCricinfo post India's win over South Africa on Friday.

That guy is going to win you the World Cup. If he is in a purple patch and is red hot, you pick that guy. Teams will pick on reputation, but DK is in such fantastic form, and if he continues, he will be one of the first names written down on the plane when India tours for the World Cup," he added.

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Steyn believes Karthiks getting better and better at finishing games with time and he is also an experienced wicket-keeper which keeps him ahead of Pant in the race for a spot in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad.

"DK has been in phenomenal form and looks like he is getting better and better. He has that great wicket-keeping mentality and reads the game very well. He knows and understands what bowlers are going to do, and he backs it up really well with good skill," said the former South Africa pacer.

Dinesh Karthik continues to strengthen his chances of nailing down a spot in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 with his stellar performances with the bat.

Dinesh Karthik continues to strengthen his chances of nailing down a spot in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 with his stellar performances with the bat. After a brilliant IPL 2022, the veteran wicket-keeper batter has continued his fine form in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa at home. Karthik slammed a match-winning half-century to help India register a comfortable 82-run win in the 4th T20I against the Proteas on Friday (June 17). Karthik made his return to the Indian team after a gap of three years in the ongoing South Africa series as he had last played for India during the 2019 ODI World Cup. He has been roped in as a finisher in the side and has been terrific so far batting in the lower middle-order for the Men in Blue. Apart from Karthik, a number of other players have been presenting a strong case for selection in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 which is just four months away. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Avesh Khan among others have made the most of the opportunities coming their way and are set to give the national selectors a tough time in finalising the squad for the showpiece event in Australia later this year. While Karthik and a few others have impressed in their respective roles, there are concerns over the forms of some of the regular players. Rishabh Pant, who is leading the Indian team against South Africa in the absence of KL Rahul, has seen his performance dip and is struggling to score runs consistently. Also Read: Dinesh Karthik: The finisher who is far from finished Pant has so far scored only 57 runs in 4 matches against South Africa in the ongoing series and is behind Karthik in the pecking order for selection in India's squad for T20 World Cup 2022, as per former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn. Steyn believes Karthik is ahead of Pant and should be one of the first names on paper when India's squad is selected. "Pant has had four opportunities now in this series and he seems to be making the same mistake. You could say that good players learn from their mistakes, but he hasn't. And DK has come up just every single time and shown what a class player he is. I think if you want to win World Cups, you pick a guy who is in form," Steyn said on ESPNCricinfo post India's win over South Africa on Friday. That guy is going to win you the World Cup. If he is in a purple patch and is red hot, you pick that guy. Teams will pick on reputation, but DK is in such fantastic form, and if he continues, he will be one of the first names written down on the plane when India tours for the World Cup," he added. Also Read: 'He hasn't learned': Gavaskar slams Rishabh Pant after yet another disappointing show vs South Africa Steyn believes Karthiks getting better and better at finishing games with time and he is also an experienced wicket-keeper which keeps him ahead of Pant in the race for a spot in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad. "DK has been in phenomenal form and looks like he is getting better and better. He has that great wicket-keeping mentality and reads the game very well. He knows and understands what bowlers are going to do, and he backs it up really well with good skill," said the former South Africa pacer.

Rishabh Pant vs Dinesh Karthik? Dale Steyn picks India's wicket-keeper batter for T20 World Cup 2022

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik has taken the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 by storm with his impressive performances. The young fast bowler has consistently clocked over 150 kmph this season and has also bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament so far which was clocked at around 157 kmph.

The young sensation has been rattling batters with his brute pace and has been backed by many to play for India soon despite still being a work in progress. While Umran is gifted with natural pace, he still has to work a lot on his line, length and variations to become the world-beater that he is expected to be one day.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has become the latest to put is weight behind Umran and has backed him to be fast-tracked into the Indian team. Harbhajan said if he was part of the national selection panel, Umran would be partnering with Jasprit Bumrah in India's pace attack for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia this year.

Speaking at the launch of 'DreamSetGo', the official travel agent of ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Harbhajan said there isn't a bowler who can clock 150 kmph consistently and is not playing for his country. The former India spinner believes Umran playing for India will inspire a lot of kids to take up fast bowling.

“He (Umran Malik) is my favourite, I want to see him in the Indian team because what a bowler he is. Tell me any one bowler who bowls more than 150 (kmph) and is not playing for the country. So, I think it is a great thing and he will inspire many youngsters to take up this game, where he has come from and what he is doing in IPL, he has been unbelievable," said Harbhajan.

“And I don’t know whether he will be selected or not but if I was part of selection committee, I would have given a go-ahead. Umran Malik should partner Jasprit Bumrah when India plays in Australia (for T20 World Cup),” he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-partied-more-than-he-practiced-virender-sehwag-recalls-aussie-stars-debut-ipl-season-477047">David Warner partied more than he practiced: Virender Sehwag recalls Aussie star's debut IPL season</a>

Umran, who was roped in by SRH as a net bowler a couple of seasons back in the IPL, was drafted into the squad a T Natarajan's replacement last season. Umran went on to impress with his raw pace and was retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction this year and has now become an integral member of the SRH pace attack.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/umran-malik-to-mohsin-khan-young-indian-pacers-who-have-set-the-stage-on-fire-in-ipl-2022-476364">Umran Malik to Mohsin Khan: Young Indian pacers who have set the stage on fire in IPL 2022</a>

Umran has played ten matches for SRH so far this season and has 15 wickets to his name. He has gone wicket-less in his last two games but is expected to recover from the rough patch and deliver for his team soon.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik has taken the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 by storm with his impressive performances. The young fast bowler has consistently clocked over 150 kmph this season and has also bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament so far which was clocked at around 157 kmph.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik has taken the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 by storm with his impressive performances. The young fast bowler has consistently clocked over 150 kmph this season and has also bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament so far which was clocked at around 157 kmph. The young sensation has been rattling batters with his brute pace and has been backed by many to play for India soon despite still being a work in progress. While Umran is gifted with natural pace, he still has to work a lot on his line, length and variations to become the world-beater that he is expected to be one day. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has become the latest to put is weight behind Umran and has backed him to be fast-tracked into the Indian team. Harbhajan said if he was part of the national selection panel, Umran would be partnering with Jasprit Bumrah in India's pace attack for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia this year. Speaking at the launch of 'DreamSetGo', the official travel agent of ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Harbhajan said there isn't a bowler who can clock 150 kmph consistently and is not playing for his country. The former India spinner believes Umran playing for India will inspire a lot of kids to take up fast bowling. “He (Umran Malik) is my favourite, I want to see him in the Indian team because what a bowler he is. Tell me any one bowler who bowls more than 150 (kmph) and is not playing for the country. So, I think it is a great thing and he will inspire many youngsters to take up this game, where he has come from and what he is doing in IPL, he has been unbelievable," said Harbhajan. “And I don’t know whether he will be selected or not but if I was part of selection committee, I would have given a go-ahead. Umran Malik should partner Jasprit Bumrah when India plays in Australia (for T20 World Cup),” he added. Also Read: David Warner partied more than he practiced: Virender Sehwag recalls Aussie star's debut IPL season Umran, who was roped in by SRH as a net bowler a couple of seasons back in the IPL, was drafted into the squad a T Natarajan's replacement last season. Umran went on to impress with his raw pace and was retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction this year and has now become an integral member of the SRH pace attack. Also Read: Umran Malik to Mohsin Khan: Young Indian pacers who have set the stage on fire in IPL 2022 Umran has played ten matches for SRH so far this season and has 15 wickets to his name. He has gone wicket-less in his last two games but is expected to recover from the rough patch and deliver for his team soon.

If I was a selector, Umran Malik would partner Jasprit Bumrah for India at T20 WC 2022: Harbhajan Singh

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has backed in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star Dinesh Karthik to make the cut in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad. Karthik has set the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on fire with his sensational performances for the Faf du Plessis-led side.&nbsp;

Karthik has been exceptional as a finisher for RCB so far this season and has already produced a couple of match-winning knocks for his team. The veteran wicket-keeper batter has so far notched up 210 runs in seven matches for RCB at a stunning strike rate of over 200 and has displayed amazing hitting prowess.

After setting the season alight with his performances, Karthik has made it clear that his larger goal is to secure a spot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. Karthik had recently said he is doing everything he can to ensure he can get a chance to represent his country at the T20 World Cup Down Under and win matches for India.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-rcb-pacer-harshal-patel-explains-difference-between-virat-kohli-and-faf-du-plessis-captaincy-style-472233">RCB pacer Harshal Patel explains difference between Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis' captaincy style</a>

Former India captain Gavaskar has also put his weight behind Karthik and urged the selectors to include him as a finisher in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad. The batting legend also said the 36-year-old's age should not be a factor in the selection and that only his performances should be considered.

"He said he wants to be a part of the Indian Team for the T20 World Cup. So what I am saying is don't look at his age, just look at what he's producing," Gavaskar said on&nbsp;Star Sports.

"He's just changing the complexion of the game with his performance. He's doing it for his team. He's doing the job that you can expect him to do at number 6 or 7 at the (T20) World Cup (in October-November)," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-bags-golden-duck-against-lsg-as-dushmantha-chameera-picks-2-wickets-in-2-balls-472209">WATCH -&nbsp;Virat Kohli bags Golden Duck against LSG as Chameera picks 2 wickets in 2 balls</a>

Karthik, who was part of India's 2019 ODI World Cup, last played for the national team in the semi-final against New Zealand in July 2019. Karthik was not in the fray for selection during the 2021 T20 World Cup last year but has revived his chances with his sensational run with the bat this season.

&nbsp;

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has backed in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star Dinesh Karthik to make the cut in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad. Karthik has set the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on fire with his sensational performances for the Faf du Plessis-led side.

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has backed in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star Dinesh Karthik to make the cut in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad. Karthik has set the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on fire with his sensational performances for the Faf du Plessis-led side. Karthik has been exceptional as a finisher for RCB so far this season and has already produced a couple of match-winning knocks for his team. The veteran wicket-keeper batter has so far notched up 210 runs in seven matches for RCB at a stunning strike rate of over 200 and has displayed amazing hitting prowess. After setting the season alight with his performances, Karthik has made it clear that his larger goal is to secure a spot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. Karthik had recently said he is doing everything he can to ensure he can get a chance to represent his country at the T20 World Cup Down Under and win matches for India. Also Read: RCB pacer Harshal Patel explains difference between Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis' captaincy style Former India captain Gavaskar has also put his weight behind Karthik and urged the selectors to include him as a finisher in India's T20 World Cup 2022 squad. The batting legend also said the 36-year-old's age should not be a factor in the selection and that only his performances should be considered. "He said he wants to be a part of the Indian Team for the T20 World Cup. So what I am saying is don't look at his age, just look at what he's producing," Gavaskar said on Star Sports. "He's just changing the complexion of the game with his performance. He's doing it for his team. He's doing the job that you can expect him to do at number 6 or 7 at the (T20) World Cup (in October-November)," he added. Also Read: WATCH - Virat Kohli bags Golden Duck against LSG as Chameera picks 2 wickets in 2 balls Karthik, who was part of India's 2019 ODI World Cup, last played for the national team in the semi-final against New Zealand in July 2019. Karthik was not in the fray for selection during the 2021 T20 World Cup last year but has revived his chances with his sensational run with the bat this season.

'Don't look at his age': Sunil Gavaskar backs Dinesh Karthik to make the cut in India's T20 WC 2022 squad