"That is a big Endorsement"- Aakash Chopra on Dinesh Karthik doing keeping job ahead of Ishan Kishan in 1st T20 vs Ireland.

India won the first T20 against Ireland quite easily. Hardik Pandya made his captaincy debut in grand fashion as the Men in Blue won the game by seven wickets. Everything went in the favour of the visitors, and it all started with winning the toss. India opted to field in a rain-affected match.

Batting first, Ireland scored 108/4 in their 12 overs and India chased it down in just 9.2 overs with a brilliant knock from Deepak Hooda. He came to open the innings and remained unbeaten on 47* off 29 balls. However, one thing that was interesting to see when India was on the field.

The veteran wicket-keeper, Dinesh Karthik, was doing the keeping job despite Ishan Kishan. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has also pointed out that the team preferring DK to do the keeping job over Ishan Kishan is a big sign going ahead.

India went with two wicket-keepers in the playing XI against Ireland. In a YouTube video posted on his channel, Aakash said that it is a big indication that DK is doing the keeping job over Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, who didn't play.

He stated, "Dinesh Karthik is keeping, which means no Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson didn’t get an opportunity also. What does it mean, that he is now your primary keeping option if Pant is unavailable, that’s a big statement, that’s a big endorsement."

DK made his comeback to the Indian team after a stellar performance in the TATA IPL 2022, where he represented Royal Challengers Bangalore. The veteran wicket-keeper scored 330 runs in 16 matches at an incredible strike rate of 183.33. He ended up winning the "TATA Punch Super Striker of the Season" award.

On the other hand, Aakash also lauded Ishan Kishan for his cameo of 26 runs off 11 balls at the top. He said that he has a really good ability to see the ball early and play big shots. Former Indian cricketer concluded that if India is looking for a hard-hitter, then Ishan Kishan is the man.

The left-hander is the only Indian batter in the top ten ICC T20I batsmen currently. He jumped into the top ten after a brilliant performance against South Africa. He made 206 runs in five matches at an average of 41.