Gautam Gambhir questions Dinesh Karthik's temperament in middle overs

Dinesh Karthik in action [Source: Associated Press]

With India currently fighting for the T20 World Cup trophy on Australian shores, one debate still a running battle is their pick for the wicket-keeper in the playing XI.

As Dinesh Karthik faltered in India's last fixture against South Africa, scoring underwhelming six runs off 15 deliveries, he has been criticised for all corners lately.

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir pointed at Karthik's lack of clarity in the middle overs, citing how only the slog overs get the better out of the finisher.

Here is what Gambhir told Star Sports

"What is Dinesh Karthik's problem? If he gets just 10-`12 balls, then there is clarity in his mind. He is then able to take on the bowlers. If there are 7-8 overs remaining, then he doesn't have clarity over whether he should rotate the strike or block,

"With the experience that Dinesh Karthik has, it's important that he figures out the tempo and the time to attack. He can attack any bowler, he has all the shots in the book. He is a finisher too. But there are situations when your team is 5 down in the first 10 overs, then does he have the temperament to bat accordingly and build a partnership, go at run-a-ball and give yourself a chance to attack the bowlers at the death?"

Meanwhile, doubts remain over Karthik's fitness for the match versus Bangladesh, scheduled on November 2 at the Adelaide Oval as he went out of the field after hurting his back while wicket-keeping in the game against the Proteas.

Read more: BCCI appoints observers for J&K and Bihar Cricket Association