CHENNAI: Leave aside Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, or even Murali Vijay, for that matter. Among those for whom India’s five-Test series against England could end up determining where their careers head, Dinesh Karthik will ostensibly top that list.
His wait for an opportunity like this has been so long that India’s tour of England in 2007 is a distant memory for him; a highlight of his career. Karthik had then been the opener, and he’d notched up India’s best run-tally in that three-match series, one they won 1-0.
In the brief interaction Karthik had with BCCI’s media cell on Saturday, he twice underscored the importance of this series to both him and his team, to two different questions. “Some nervous excitement... Two cricketing teams who have played good cricket over a period of time are coming up against each other. Conditions are a bit alien for us, and after England came to India and faced their challenge, it is our turn. Our captain and coach have been leading us from the front with a lot of positive energy and vibes. So the mood in the camp is upbeat.”
With Wriddhiman Saha injured, Karthik finally has a chance to be the regular, as against the replacement man he used to be. Though Parthiv Patel was India’s second-choice behind stumps, it is hard not to think of where Karthik would have been now, if not for those eight balls he’d faced in Colombo against Bangladesh, way back in March. If you’ve followed Karthik closely, you would know by now that unlike previous instances, there is more assurance that this could be his time.
Having waited for long in the shadows of MS Dhoni, Karthik saw Saha come out of nowhere and take the gloves in Tests. When Saha was injured during the 2016-17 season, he saw Parthiv surge ahead. Back then, there were times when he’d even keep a close eye on India A squad announcements. Surges in optimism were always followed by the ebbs of disappointment.
But those around Karthik will always vouch for the fact that his game has acquired more purpose and direction. That coveted call-up — the sole thing he used to look forward to when a domestic season began — doesn’t sit on top of his mind these days.
Since India’s tour of South Africa, their management has also developed the belief that Karthik is a batsman they can to lean on, especially in overseas conditions. In the considerable time they’ve spent with Karthik, India’s support staff has seen him acquire a new level of comfort. All of this points to one subtext: this series could indeed shape his career.
“It is no doubt an important series for Karthik,” said Hrishikesh Kanitkar, former India batsman and Tamil Nadu’s coach. The latter role has helped him witness Karthik’s evolution.
“There must have been a few butterflies to begin with, but he looks prepared. He knows that he belongs. In the time he has spent out of the side, he has definitely added a lot to his skillsets. “He hasn’t gotten this call-up out of nowhere. His recent performances with India — even if they’ve come in limited-over clashes — will give him confidence. Unlike before, he knows he will play the entire series. That will give him a lot of assurance.”
Though there is little doubt over his batting, Karthik’s keeping could prove to be an obstacle. He isn’t as technically sound as Saha, nor can he match the Bengal stumper’s reach. Though Karthik doesn’t make glaring errors, Saha exudes more assurance while pouching catches.
But Kanitkar believes that Karthik will get used to it. “Obviously, he has to make a few adjustments. For someone who is a premier batsman for his state and other teams, he definitely knows how to concentrate for long periods. His skills are second to none, which is why he will have a prominent role to play for the team.”
venkatakrishna@newindianexpress.com