India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has expressed his desire to return to the national squad despite being out of favor since the conclusion of the World Cup in England and Wales. The veteran, whose ice-cool tempo during crunch situations and the natural game is a key asset to any team, said he’s been working really hard to get back into the reckoning.
Karthik, one of the best glovemen in the sub-continent, has played second fiddle to MS Dhoni since the latter’s emergence. Despite making his debut way back in September 2004, the 34-year-old has only earned 94 caps for his country in ODIs. He has also represented India in 26 Tests and 32 T20Is.
The team management, off the back of the stylish batsman’s form for Tamil Nadu and in the IPL – consistently – handed Karthik a new lease of life as he returned to the fold as a finisher.
The fiery 29 off just eight balls against Bangladesh in Colombo still remains fresh in the mind of many Indian supporters, as he clawed the game back from under the Bangla Tigers’ nose.
Karthik was given the nod in the ODI World Cup in England as well. But a paltry return of 14 runs in a couple of outings saw him pushed down the pecking order with the hierarchy seeking long-term options.
Speaking to reporters on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary of former team India trainer Shankar Basu’s Primal Patterns, Karthik said, “Finisher’s role is something which I have always enjoyed. If given an opportunity, I will definitely like to prove myself again.”
Shedding light on his personal game, attributes and the chance of returning to the national team, he remarked, “I haven’t tried to do anything different and alter my game. I always ask myself that what is the toughest situation that a player faces. It is to win matches for your team, be it for TN or my IPL team (Kolkata Knight Riders). So I always want to bail out my team under tough situations by using my experience and prowess. Everybody tries to get into the India side and I’m not an exception. I am trying very hard to be a part of the India set-up again.”
Karthik is currently set to face rivals Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy is the opener, on Monday.
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