CHENNAI: Dinesh Karthik, who helped Tamil Nadu bag two limited-over titles and reach the Ranji Trophy semifinals last season, is reaping the benefits of hard work. He was part of the India T20 team against Australia. Now, the call-up for the New Zealand ODIs is like the icing on the cake. Karthik promises to give his best when he gets an opportunity and is proud to be part of the Indian team. “Definitely very happy to be back in the squad.
Looking forward to the opportunity. I will give my best,’’ said Karthik. When he joined the team for T20s against Australia, how was the dressing room atmosphere? “It looked positive, very vibrant, lots of good vibes, feel very confident of the unit.” The No 4 and No 5 slots in the Indian ODI team are still up for grabs. If given an opportunity to bat at No 4, can he deliver? “I have done it at various levels. Obviously, No 4 is a great position. I’ve have been batting at No 4 for Tamil Nadu in white-ball cricket. And I am doing pretty well, touchwood. I am confident that if given an opportunity, I will do the best I can,’’ said the former Tamil Nadu captain.
With MS Dhoni as first-choice wicketkeeper, if Karthik plays, it has to be as a batsman. How comfortable is he fielding in different positions? “Fielding has always been part of my repertoire and I can deliver. I also know that I am a back-up for Dhoni, so I practise fielding and wicketkeeping to be ready for any job that I may be required to do.” The team has been performing well in limited-over cricket and Australia captain Steve Smith has specially mentioned death bowling as India’s strength. “Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar have been fantastic.
I am proud to be part of the team which is probably going to leave a legacy in the next few years as one the greatest teams India has ever seen. I am privileged that I can be even part of this team. The great thing about this team is that even the bowlers can bat and this gives the team a lot of depth.” Karthik made his debut under Rahul Dravid and has played under various captains.
How different is Virat Kohli? “He is very vibrant and positive. He is always looking to win, always looking to hit a hundred.” Ravi Shastri is known to be a player’s coach, how was his interaction with him? “He had a chat with me. He told me exactly what I should be trying to work on. I was very happy to have a conversation with Shastri. Sanjay Bangar, B Arun and R Sridhar make a very formidable support staff,” signed off Karthik. Meanwhile, only seven overs were bowled on Monday in the Ranji Trophy tie between Tamil Nadu and Tripura, due to rain. ashok.v@newindianexpress.com
DAY’S WRAP
Group A: In Hyderabad: Hyderabad vs Uttar Pradesh (Day 3 washed out). In Mysuru: Assam 145 & 169/6 (G Sharma 62 n.o; K Gowtham 3/39) vs Karnataka 469/7 decl (K Gowtham 149). Group B: In Nadiad: Kerala 208 & 203 (P Chawla 3/66, Siddharth Desai 6/80) vs Gujarat 307 & 22/1. Group C: In Chennai: Tripura 258 vs Tamil Nadu 357/ 4 (Washington 159, B Indrajith 89 n.o). In Vadodara: Baroda 373 vs Andhra Pradesh 505/9 (H Vihari 150, R Bhui 145; A Sheth 5/77 ).