Eoin Morgan IPL 2021 availability: The English captain might find himself in a situation to pick one between his national team and IPL franchise.
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Veteran India wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik believes that he has it in him to play the finisher’s role in the national T20I team. Karthik, 36, had last played for India during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
“My entire focus is on a comeback to the India fold in the T20 format. India need a batsman in the middle-order who can be a finisher in T20s and I believe I am perfectly cut out for it,” Karthik was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
ALSO READ: Why India shouldn’t have dropped Dinesh Karthik from T20I squad
It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time that Karthik has expressed a desire of earning a comeback. Karthik, who has represented India in 132 matches across formats in his 17-year old international career, had opened up on playing an MS Dhoni-like role in the T20 World Cup.
Eoin Morgan IPL 2021 availability
In addition to leading Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, Karthik also represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. Having led the franchise from 2018-2020, Karthik was replaced by Eoin Morgan midway through IPL 2020.
Considering how overseas players’ availability is a concern ahead of the second phase of IPL 2021, Karthik admitted that he is ready to lead again if need be. However, he also remained hopeful of Morgan joining them for the second phase of the 14th season of the IPL.
“[Pat] Cummins has said he is not coming but there’s still three months and [Eoin] Morgan may still be available. But if I am asked to lead, I don’t have a problem,” Karthik said.
How was the #birthday party last night, @DineshKarthik? 🥳@Bazmccullum @Eoin16 #KKR pic.twitter.com/nYQKb5uADT
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) June 2, 2021
Assuming that IPL 2021 will be played in September-October, it will take place right before the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. In such a situation, overseas boards would want their players to be in the best shape physically and mentally for the world event.
At this point in time, Cricket Australia are yet to discuss the matter with their players. While England Cricket Board have hinted at not making their players available for IPL 2021, Bangladesh Cricket Board also believes that issuing NOCs to players for IPL 2021 will be “almost impossible“.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians and New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult, on the other hand, admitted to looking forward to IPL 2021 in the UAE.
