Testing time for Dinesh Karthik

Bengaluru: When Wriddhiman Saha was injured before the historic Test match against Afghanistan, the selection of Dinesh Karthik was a no-brainer. The 33-year-old has been in a sublime form over the last couple of years. His calmness and maturity under pressure, one like the blinder against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup final where he scored 29* (8), had earned him the ticket to lead Kolkata Knight Riders in the recently-concluded IPL.

Making a comeback to the Test side after eight years, Karthik said, “I have always dreamt of playing Test cricket. It feels good to wear the whites. I thank everyone who has stood by me over the years. Playing Test cricket is the ultimate challenge as every cricketer gets tested in the format.”

Karthik is ready to give his best for the national side. Talking about the hard grind in domestic cricket, he said, “I’ve always enjoyed playing the sport, and motivation has never been a problem. I’ve enjoyed playing the Ranji Trophy. There are not many out there who come and watch you play. You play because you enjoy the sport, which I’ve always done subconsciously. I’ve enjoyed being part of Tamil Nadu.  The credit goes to them as well for having put up with me through the tough years, with my batting, my keeping and as a player. I’m really indebted to them.”

Responding to how he was looking to keep Saha out of the side, Karthik said: “I think if you go deep into that question and figure out what I can do to keep someone out, then you’re taking energy away from the fact that you’re competing with somebody. That puts a little bit of extra pressure. All I am looking to do is to be the best cricketer I can be, not only on the field but off the field too.”

He said that he was trying to be consistent and even if he doesn’t get the opportunity to make it to the XI, he wants to be content with the fact that he has given everything he had.

“I wasn’t consistent before. There was a highly competitive environment. M.S. Dhoni played exceptionally well then and went on to become probably one of the greatest Test cricket captains India had ever had.”