Monday, February 12, 2007

Robin Uthappa and Dinesh Karthik Intend to Do Well in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

Robin Uthappa and Dinesh Karthik are the two young members of the Indian squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. They have gone through a hard competition with some of other talented young stars such as Suresh Raina, Ramesh Power. Karthik has been in the squad as a reserve wicket keeper as Dhoni is the first choice for wicket keeping position in the team. Karthik’s wicket keeping is also very good. On the other hand, Robin Uthappa is a talented opening batsman. However, at this moment both of them are very happy having same intention in their mind and that is to play well in the upcoming world cup cricket and use the chance they got on this occasion.

India Times reported:

"I am happy to be selected. I will try my best to make this opportunity count," said Uthappa who has edged out Delhi challenger Gautam Gambhir for the opener's spot and is likely to launch the innings with former India skipper Sourav Ganguly in the World Cup to be held in March-April.

The 21-year-old Kaarthick echoed similar sentiments. "I am confident of making an impression in the World Cup if I get a chance," said the wicket-keeper batsman whose energy inside the ring as well as on the outfield has impressed the Indian team management.

Interestingly, Uthappa too can keep wickets like Kaarthick who is the second-choice stumper in the squad behind Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Both have fought back from early setbacks to their careers.

Kaarthick, who has played in 11 ODIs and scored 145 runs with 63 against the West Indies in the previous series on a difficult track that paved the way for an Indian win, is the senior among the two players as far as international debut is concerned.

After making a lukewarm debut in the Natwest Challenge in England in 2004, the bubbly Kaarthick lost his place to his more flamboyant rival and superb finisher Dhoni in the ODIs first and then in the Tests too.

I think they are potential and can serve India well during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 but I think selectors should have focused on the middle order batting line up as there is only one experienced and reliable batsman Yuvraj Singh but he is struggling with injury whereas Dhoni and Pathan are not that much reliable to be middle order batsman.

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