3 reasons why India should open with Dinesh Karthik in the Lord's Test

#1 Team combination

Karthik as an opener will open the gates for Pujara to bat at number 3

If the team management promotes Karthik as an opener, the gates will open for Cheteshwar Pujara to bat at number 3 and may also provide an opportunity to either K. L. Rahul or Karun Nair to bat at number 6.

Rahul struggled in the Edgbaston Test batting at number 3 and hence it will be prudent to draft Pujara in the playing 11 at Lord's at the vital number 3 position.

India require a batsman at number 6 who can negotiate the reverse swing and might have to face the new ball if and when the situation demands. Playing a specialist batsman at number 6 is the need of the hour for team India and that can be possible if Karthik is promoted as an opener. The management will have to decide between Rahul and Nair for the number 6 position in the batting line up.

Thus a batting line-up comprising of 6 specialist batsmen, an all-rounder and 4 bowlers seems to be an ideal combination for India.

Though opening with Karthik may not be a long-term solution, but it seems to be the perfect solution for the ongoing Test series as it adds to the balance of the team.