For Dinesh Karthik, April 15, 2019, will remain a special date for a long time to come. It was on this day that the diminutive wicket-keeper-batsman from Tamil Nadu beat all odds to get picked for the Indian squad for the ICC World Cup starting in England in May. The good news was conveyed to him by his father-in-law over the phone when he was having lunch on Monday with his wife Dipika Pallikal and Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore.
According to a Times of India report, the 33-year-old Karthik jumped with joy after making it to the squad. He was under pressure since he was overlooked for India’s last international series — versus Australia at home in which Rishabh Pant got the nod ahead of him. However, Pant failed to make use of the opportunity and chief selector MSK Prasad said Karthik made the cut keeping in mind the wicket-keeping skills.
It is the second time that Karthik has made to a WC squad after 2007 though he did not get to play a game that year as India were knocked out of the tournament in the group stage. Speaking to select media persons at the KKR’s team hotel on Tuesday, Karthik was quoted as saying by Times of India: “It is a special occasion. I am really lucky and grateful.”
The cricketer also went on to say that his journey for the 2019 WC started when he made a comeback to the Indian team two years ago and believed that if he could something special, he could be part of the “amazing team” that will participate in the WC in Englandand Wales.
He even said that he was not disappointed on being overlooked for the Australia series saying it was planned that way to give both the wicket-keepers equal opportunities before the big event.
Karthik at his humble best
Dinesh Karthik was also at his humble best when he said that he was only a small first-aid kit that will travel with the team with MS Dhoni in the team. However, Karthik also went on to add that he is ready to play any role the team assigns to him during the tournament.
“Look, as far as MS Dhoni is concerned, I am just that small first-aid kit that will travel with the team. If he (Dhoni) gets injured then I will be the band-aid for a day. I am, however, aware that I can bat at No. 4 or be the finisher if given an opportunity. Post-IPL, I will prepare every day knowing and believing that I can deliver purely as a batsman as I have performed that role earlier,” he further said.
