Dinesh Karthik Critiques England’s World Test Championship Approach, Advocates for India’s Core Spin Trio

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has recently voiced strong opinions on the ongoing cricket scenario, particularly targeting the England cricket team's approach towards the World Test Championship (WTC) while also highlighting key components essential for India’s future Test strategy.

In a sharp critique, Karthik questioned England captain Ben Stokes’s prioritisation of the Ashes series over the World Test Championship. Despite England playing 22 matches across two years under Stokes’s leadership, the side finished fifth in the 2023–25 WTC cycle and has yet to reach a final in the championship's three cycles. Karthik suggested that Stokes's frustration with the WTC's points system and slow over rate penalties seem to be excuses for underperformance. He emphasized that India places great value on the WTC, contrasting it with what he views as England's indifference under Stokes's leadership, stating, "All they have done in the last couple of years is prepare for The Ashes... Ben Stokes, for some strange reason, does not understand the table itself".

Alongside his critique of England, Karthik highlighted the importance of India's spin bowling all-rounders—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar—as the core of the Indian Test team going forward. He exhorted team management to consistently select Jadeja at No.6, Axar at No.7, and Washington at No.8 because of their invaluable contributions with both bat and ball, calling them "non-negotiable" for India's home season squads. Karthik pointed out that Washington Sundar has cemented his place through his all-round performances, including crucial fifties in the ongoing series against England, strengthening India’s lower middle-order and providing a cushion that has frequently frustrated English bowlers.

Further reflecting his engagement with current players, Karthik also acknowledged Mohammed Siraj’s increased responsibility and effective bowling in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. In a recent interaction, Karthik praised Siraj for standing up to the challenge, to which Siraj responded that he enjoys taking on responsibility and relishes bowling under pressure conditions.

Recent on-field moments have also captured Karthik's emotional investment, as he was seen trying to contain his celebration during a pivotal last-ball yorker from Siraj that dismantled England’s batsman Sam Crawley, resulting in a crucial breakthrough for India on Day 3 of the ongoing Test series.

Karthik’s insights come amid a closely contested Test series, with England requiring 324 runs for victory and both teams poised for a thrilling conclusion that will significantly impact rankings and team morale.