Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who has been in great form in the IPL, has not given up on his dream of playing for India again and will do “everything he can to be in that flight” to the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies next month. Karthik, who will be 39 years old when the World Cup begins on June 1, was also a part of the final T20I World Cup in Australia in 2022, which also marked his final participation for Team India.
Returning to the IPL this season, he has elevated his batting to new heights, hitting at a pace of 205 or more. He is also RCB’s third-best run-getter with 226 runs, after only Virat Kohli (361) and captain Faf du Plessis (232). “At this stage in my life, it would be the greatest feeling for me to represent India (at the upcoming T-20 World Cup). I’m very, very keen to do so. There is nothing bigger in my life other than representing India in this T-20 World Cup,” Dinesh Karthik said in the pre-match press conference.
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Karthik once again showed why he is regarded as one of the top finishers in the world. Karthik struck a blistering 83 off 35 balls to help RCB score 262 runs while pursuing a target of 287 against the Sunrisers. Although his efforts could not lead RCB to victory, the experienced batter’s finishing abilities have reignited speculation over his probable inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad, which is scheduled to be named shortly.
KARTHIK vs PANT vs SAMSON vs KISHAN vs RAHUL
With Karthik emerging as a possibility, the wicketkeeper position will be keenly fought, with the Team India think tank maybe selecting two at most. Rishabh Pant, who is making a comeback from a near-fatal injury, has shown strong intent as captain of the DC, and Sanju Samson (RR), Ishan Kishan (MI), and KL Rahul (LSG) are all in the mix. Karthik stated he would follow whatever the Big Three — coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar — decide.
“I also feel there are three very, very stable, honest people who are at their helm to decide what should be the best Indian team for the World Cup. Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajit Agarkar. And I’m completely with them. I respect any decision that they take. But all I can say is I’m 100% ready. And you know I’ll do everything I can to be, Karthik added.
Karthik highlighted the significance of knowing his own abilities as a player, focusing on precision rather than power-hitting like Andre Russell or Kieron Pollard. He stated that he examines bowlers’ patterns to plan his shots and visualises scenarios during practice to improve his batting repertoire.
Source Agencies
