India vs Afghanistan: Karthik likely to replace injured Saha

Dinesh Karthik is likely to get a shot at Test redemption - as a replacement for the injured wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha - for the one-off historic encounter against Afghanistan in Bengaluru from June 14.

Saha remains unsure of his participation in the Test starting from June 14 in Bengaluru because of the injury he suffered in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 2 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 25.

According to sources close to the selection committee, MSK Prasad and Co are looking at the England tour, where Karthik could make the cut in the longest format also.

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It must be mentioned that Karthik was a surprise success when he played Test cricket in England in 2007. He had three half-centuries -- 60 at Lord's, 77 at Nottingham and 91 at the Oval.

Karthik had last played a Test match way back in 2010 against Bangladesh but has had a prolific first-class record with 27 hundreds and over 9000 runs. In 23 Tests for India, he has scored 1000 runs with a hundred and seven half-centuries.

Earlier, opener Lokesh Rahul had said that he is ready to take on the role of the gloves-man if the team demands.

"I am always open to the challenge of dual responsibility. I have been training hard and will take up the role if the team demands the same," Rahul, who is also a wicket-keeper, said.

(With PTI inputs)