KOLKATA, APR 16,
Dinesh Karthik spent the tense moments leading up to the announcement of the Indian squad with his wife Dipika and Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore at the team. In a chat with The Hindu, Karthik admitted, “Yes, I was anxious. Playing in the World Cup is big and everyone wants to be part of the experience. And after the team came out, it was both a feeling of relief and happiness.” The wicketkeeper-batsman realises that he has been picked for his experience. Karthik said: “M.S. Dhoni should keep wickets in all matches, and I would come into the picture only if he gets injured.
“It is as a specialist batsman that I have a better chance of making the eleven.
“I am capable of batting at No. 4, from where I can build an innings. I have performed the role in the past. I have also been coming later down the order and donned the role of a finisher.”
The 33-year-old Karthik can rotate the strike, keep a calm head and also unleash the big blows targeting specific bowlers. “Clarity of thought is very important to execute plans in these situations,” he said.
He was confident of India’s prospects. “I think we have a very good team and should do very well.” Karthik has several memories of the premier ODI competition.
The first World Cup he followed was the 1996 event in the sub-continent. “I still recall Vinod Kambli in tears after India lost to Sri Lanka in Kolkata to be eliminated. The ball was really turning when India batted. And I, as a kid, was really disappointed.” Karthik added, “In the 1999 World Cup, I remember Nayan Mongia’s brilliant catch to dismiss Azhar Mahmood off Anil Kumble. It was the catch of the World Cup.”
Karthik also recalled the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and Sachin Tendulkar’s stirring duel with the fast and furious Shoaib Akhtar at Centurion. “Who can forget Sachin’s upper-cut six off Akhtar,” said the KKR captain.Karthik was a part of India’s squad for the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean; a disastrous campaign.
“Later in the year, I was in the Indian team for the World Twenty20 in South Africa and we triumphed against all odds.”
Karthik does not believe this will be his last World Cup. “I am training hard and performing. I have not thought about ending my career in the next five to six years.”
