IPL 2019: 5 Indians to watch out for this season

#4. Dinesh Karthik (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Karthik has a lot to prove in the IPL

For the home series against Australia, Dinesh Karthik was given the boot as the Indians decided to take a punt on Rishabh Pant. The latter failed to inspire and courtesy his patchy form, the former could yet find himself in the World Cup scheme of things with a superb IPL.

The Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain excelled in his first season as skipper in 2018. Karthik amassed 498 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 147.77. Thus, highlighting that the extra responsibility enhanced the right-hander’s displays.

However, with a potential World Cup spot on the line, one can expect Karthik to scale a higher peak this term.

In the away series in Australia and New Zealand, the wicket-keeper didn’t do much wrong and was on hand to dig India out of trouble when required, indicating that he’s in decent form.

Additionally, the presence of power-packed batsmen around him would allow Karthik to bat through the innings and control the tempo.

KKR narrowly missed out on the final last year when they lost to the Sunrisers in the 2nd Qualifier. However, with a fit and firing Karthik in their ranks, they can genuinely harbour hopes of a 3rd IPL crown.