KKR mentor Nayar backs Karthik to make World Cup squad

Ahead of India's World Cup squad announcement, Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Abhishek Nayar Thursday backed Dinesh Karthik to make the UK-bound team, saying he is a versatile player who can also bat at number four.

Karthik had found himself out of favour as the selectors dropped him for India's final five ODIs before the World Cup.

"I think in the past two years he has showed us how versatile he is. He is not only a finisher but even batting up the order. I think he gives you that versatility also being a wicketkeeper and a very good fielder," Nayar said of Karthik.

It is well known that Nayar has put his 'friend' Karthik through a rigorous training program, leading to a turnaround that was reflected in the last-ball six during the Nidahas Trophy final.

"He is not only a keeper backup but also a batsman backup who can come and field. We've seen how well he fields and the kind of catches he has taken. He is also ideal to bat at number four because of the kind batsman he's you can use him anywhere in the batting order. So for me he is someone I feel he should be definitely in that World Cup squad."