What Happened to Dinesh Karthik: Why is RCB Wicket-Keeper Not Keeping Wickets at the Wankhede Stadium Today?

Veteran Royal Challengers Bangalore wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik isn’t keeping wickets in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023 Match 54 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

Taking into consideration how Karthik hasn’t had the best of IPL seasons both as a batter and a wicket-keeper, it was initially presumed that he must be fielding on the ground without the gloves due to the same reason.

Having said that, the 37-year old player is nowhere to seen with RCB having almost bowling half of their overs. As far as the wicket-keeper is concerned, Anuj Rawat (6) is performing the duty behind the stumps for the first time this season. For the unversed, Rawat is a specialist wicket-keeper batter who keeps wickets for Delhi in domestic cricket.

Why is Dinesh Karthik Not Keeping Wickets Today?

Karthik, meanwhile, seems to be unwell. It was during the second innings of the match that a clip of him returning to the pavilion was televised by broadcaster Star Sports Network.

Karthik, who was coughing badly all the way back to the dressing room, might have been suggested rest especially when they already had Rawat in the Playing XI.

While the exact nature and extent of Karthik’s illness remains unknown, he scored 30 (18) with the help of four fours and a six after coming in to bat at No. 6 in the 14th over earlier in the night.

Notwithstanding Karthik’s recent form, Royal Challengers would be hoping for their experienced player to recover as soon as possible. The Faf du Plessis-led team will next lock horns against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Sunday.