Dinesh Karthik was one of the IPL 2022’s star players and Wicket keepers, and his strong performance for RCB opened the path for his return to India’s T20 International squad. Karthik scored 330 runs with a strike rate of 183 in 16 games last season.
However, Karthik has fallen short of expectations this season, scoring only 110 runs in 10 innings. In addition, his wicket-keeping has come under scrutiny, as he has lost several catches, costing the Faf du Plessis-led franchise heavily.
However, Karthik is unlikely to be demoted because RCB’s middle order has struggled this year. Given his experience, his simple presence may provide some relief to the franchise.
Dinesh Karthik is not the only IPL 2023 wicketkeeper who has struggled to score runs. Here are three additional players, all wicketkeepers, who have failed to contribute with the bat this season
Sanju Samson
So far in the IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson has struggled with the bat. The experienced batter has just 242 runs in 10 innings, which is not ideal for a batter of his skill. While he has started most games, he hasn’t been able to convert them into big inning, which has hurt the Royals.
Rajasthan Royals started well by winning 4 out of 5 games, but now they are finding it difficult. RR won just 1 out of their last 5 matches. It is now very difficult for them to qualify for the playoffs. With Jos Buttler also struggling for runs, Samson will have to step up to assist the Royals get back on track.
Narayan Jagadeesan
Narayan Jagadeesan of the Kolkata Knight Riders has played in only six games this season but has unable to capitalise on his opportunities. He has 89 runs scored with a strike rate of 109.88. The latter is particularly troubling because he bats first and gets to play on the powerplay.
He should play better, but he hasn’t been on the team playing 11 a lot. KKR has been playing musical chairs with its openers, which may have affected Jagadeesan’s confidence.
Given the recent performances of Jason Roy and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, it is uncertain that Jagadeesan would be given another shot this season.
Anuj Rawat
Anuj Rawat of the RCB has only scored 33 runs in four innings this season, with a strike rate of 80.49. He is a part of RCB’s weak middle order, which has drawn a lot of attention this season.
In his defence, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have not put Rawat in his preferred position. He usually bats early, but in four out of five games, he played as a finisher
Rawat’s total IPL numbers are also disappointing, with a strike-rate of 101.25 after 15 games, which is plain horrible.