Karthik looking up to making a comeback to India’s T20 setup

Among so many things in the Indian Cricket, the 13th edition of the IPL was also being seen to give answers on who would be India’s first-choice keeper in the T20 World Cup. After delivering some powerful performances with the bat and behind the wicket, KL 

Rahul had taken over the position in the New Zealand Series. He grabbed that opportunity after the out of the form Rishabh Pant injured himself. 

However, IPL performances could have gone from one level to another most contenders as well. Sanju Samson has warmed the benches for long, and MS Dhoni has not yet called it quits. 

And after you have completed the list of probables, then you would also find out of favour Dinesh Karthik. If India were to play a match today, then many virtual players would not select him while making the Dream11 team prediction today. 

After a substandard performance in the 2019 World Cup, where he could score only 14 runs in 2 innings, he has not been called for the India color duty. While he admits not having done much in the ODI format, he is also not content after being left out of the T20 setup. 

‘There is no doubt that it does hurt. I always had this desire of playing for my country, and it has not reduced even one bit.’ He told PTI while being hopeful of making a comeback in the T20 Team. 

‘I have maintained a decent record in the T20; yes the World Cup (50 overs) did not go as per my plan. I understand being shown the door for the ODI side, but I think that I have a chance of returning to the T20 side. ‘ 

‘I don’t see any reason of not counting myself in for the T20 World Cup Team as I have been scoring pretty well in the Domestic Circuit.’ 

Dinesh Karthik has been in and out of the National Team ever since making his 15 years before. He has featured in 132 games for India and has also been a part of the inaugural and winning Team of the 2007 T20 World Cup. 

However, it was his amazing performance in the Final of the Nidhas Trophy Vs Bangladesh where he played a knock of 29 in 8 balls to see India win the Cup. India needed 6 runs off the last ball, and he hit the final ball for a maximum to win the Tournament. The knock saw him getting a lift in his career as a finisher. He evolved in that role for India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His record is an average of 33.25 with a strike rate of 143.52 that he can boast of in T20s. 

‘We have an ensuing T20 World Cup later in the year, and I am aware that if I do well, then I have a fair chance of making it to the T20 fold. I will get tougher for sure as the Team is getting strong that makes it so good to watch. But it is also my duty to improve and evolve as a player and rest things will follow.’ Dinesh Karthik was quipped on saying.    

The upcoming IPL would have been an ideal podium to showcase his skills, leading to his inclusion in many of match predictions today in many virtual players’ agenda. But with the Tournament being deferred indefinitely owing to COVID-19 outbreak, he is still living on a thin rope. 

‘I have accepted what has been happening to IPL as of now (being suspended). Before lockdown, I was sweating it out for the IPL juts as I do for other Series. Just like the entire world living on the hope, even I am hopeful of making it to theT20 setup.’ Karthik concludes.   

The 2020 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be staged in Australia in October-November. But the way things are moving due to the Novel Coronavirus, it would be too early to say anything if it will be held on time or not. 

If Dinesh Karthik is able to make his way into the T20 setup, then it may probably be his last chance while playing in the India colors. Not many would still be including him in the scheme of things while making today’s match predictions once Cricket restarts.