My fight is tougher than a rookie’s: Karthik

Wicketkeeper batsman acknowledges success has been fleeting and making a comeback is always harder

NEW DELHI: Dinesh Karthik’s unbeaten 64 in the second ODI against New Zealand came at an opportune time, not only for India but also, for the cricketer himself.

The 92-ball knock ensured the hosts level the three-match series and gave the 32-year-old fresh hope.

It was the second ODI series for Karthik in 2017, following the West Indies tour in July. That journey to the Caribbean marked the end of a three-year wait for him to be part of Team India’s playing XI.

Karthik, a veteran of 157 firstclass matches, acknowledges that success has been quite fleeting for him on the international stage and adds that the job is still tough.

“It is always harder to make a comeback into the national team than play for the first time. When you are part of the playing XI after a long time, you have to fight a lot of mental pressure to prove yourself,” Karthik told Hindustan Times.

Karthik was also named in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy squad. Ironically, he had made a comeback to Team India in the 2013 Champions Trophy too, after a gap of three years.

But each time, a strong showing in domestic cricket led to Karthik being back in the national team.

This time, Karthik feels that the patient knocks against New Zealand (64* and 37) has helped him soothe his nerves.

“I feel I am in a good position right now. I got my chances (against New Zealand) and I am happy to spend good time in the middle and score runs,” says Karthik, who led Tamil Nadu to Vijay Hazare Trophy win in 2016-17 with a century in final.

With the focus on 2019 World Cup, Karthik’s latest selection seems to have more relevance than on previous occasions.

The Indian middle order has still not zeroed in on a set line-up, while question remains on who will be MS Dhoni’s back-up as wicket-keeper going forward. Karthik can play both those roles.

He is, however, not eager to ponder too much about future. “Right now the coach (Ravi Shastri) and captain (Virat Kohli) is doing a great job. The team has been on a winning run and it’s great. For me, I would want to contribute in whatever role is given to me. I am not in a position to decide about my role. But I am ready to play my part in all three areas – Batting, keeping, fielding,” said Karthik.

With Karthik being given a nod for the ODIS ahead of youngsters like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, he is again finds himself on MS Dhoni’s side, whose emergence was a reason for Karthik getting sidelined.

“He has a great cricketing acumen. Nobody can deny his contribution to the Indian cricket team. It’s good to have him by your side,” he said.

Karthik,whohasplayedunder several Indian captains including Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni, says that the Virat Kohli-led side’s performance as a fielding unit has been exceptional.

“This team is one of the strongest simply because of the batting depth it has got. Also, I was surprised with the way we were better than New Zealand in fielding.

“They are top fielders and we did better than them, which is quite an achievement. To stop those extra 10 to 15 runs is crucial in deciding games which are being won by small margins,” Karthik said.

“Credit should be given to R Sridhar’s work, who is our fielding coach. I think if this team plays to its potential, it can pretty much achieve anything.”