Karthik embraces pressure to perform

Colombo, March 17: Dinesh Karthik is aware that non- performance may result in him going off the radar but the wicket- keeper batsman says he would rather “embrace” the pressure rather than run away from it.

Karthik has been around Indian cricket for long but has failed to cement his place in the side. He has always been the man to fall back upon when established stars are rested.

“From where I sit, every tournament is important. One bad tournament and I will be way out. So, in every tournament I need to be at the top of my game and try to do as well as I can,” Karthik said.

“There is pressure but at where I am sitting, I need to be able to handle that pressure. I need to embrace it rather than run away from it or use it as an excuse. It doesn’t matter whether I play this tournament, IPL or the England series, for me every match is important,” he added.

Karthik is abreast of the tough competition in the Indian cricket team and said he needs to take every chance that comes his way.

“Opportunities are few and far in between. The competition in the Indian team is so strong that every time you get an opportunity you need to try and give your best. More importantly, I have to perform,” he said.

“I am trying to do well in every match. I am not looking too far at the World Cup. As of now from where I am, every match is important and I am trying to do my best.”

India are up against a gutsy Bangladesh in the final but Karthik said they are well prepared to take

on the Tigers.