India need Hardik the all-rounder; Karthik to play finisher's role - Rahul Dravid

With the first T20I against South Africa less than 48 hours away, the Men in Blue have gone into overdrive. Speaking to the press ahead of the 5-match series, India's Head Coach Rahul Dravid shared his outlook on the team's preparations.

Dravid heaped praise on Hardik Pandya's leadership and the role it played in Gujarat Titans' IPL triumph. The head coach though wants Hardik to now focus on doing the all-rounder's job for Team India.

"At this point of time from our perspective, it is positive that he has started bowling again. It is really about ensuring that we can get the best out of him as a cricketer in terms of contributions," Dravid said.

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Meanwhile, Dravid didn't spill the beans on India's batting order but hinted at Dinesh Karthik playing the finisher's role as he did for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recently-concluded IPL.

Notably, Karthik has found a place in the Indian squad after a three-year absence. He last represented India in the 2019 ODI World Cup.