Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Dinesh Karthik has been in sublime for in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Karthik who had earlier said in an interview with Nasser Hossain that he will not represent India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 20224 has taken a U-turn midway through the tournament.
“I am not buying anything of what you are saying. You were the one who wanted me out of the Indian team in the T20 World Cup in 2022,” Karthik had said on Sky Sports.
Now Karthik has made it clear that he is keen to don the Indian jersey again and ride on the form he has been in the tournament so far.
"At this stage in my life, it would be the greatest feeling for me to represent India. I'm very, very keen to do so. There is nothing bigger in my life other than representing India in this T20 World Cup," the Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter said ahead of the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens.
Karthik’s competition for the spot
While Karthik has turned out to be one of the top contenders, Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Rishabh Pant has showed promise too. Other wicketkeeper-batters in the race are Rajasthan Royals' skipper Sanju Samson, Mumbai Indians' (MI) Ishan Kishan and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul. Jitesh Sharma is another one on the list but he is yet to prove his mettle in the season so far. However, he trusts chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma to take the right decision whether it means him getting on a flight or not.
"I also feel there are three very, very stable, honest people who are at the helm to decide what should be the best Indian team for the World Cup -- Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar.
"And I'm completely with them. I respect any decision that they take. But all I can say is I'm 100 per cent ready, and I'll do everything I can to be on that flight to the World Cup," the 38-year-old said.
Karthik’s numbers
So far, he has scored 226 runs from seven games at an average of 75.33 including two half-centuries. His strike rate of 205.45 is way ahead of top run-scorers of the tournament. However, his 34-ball 83 in the unsuccessful run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) stands out of the lot.
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