Dinesh Karthik is probably one of the most unluckiest cricketers in the country. A promising wicketkeeper who was equally good with the bat, Karthik’s international never really took off. When he made his Test debut in 2004, another promising wicketkeeper-batsman- MS Dhoni- announced his arrival on the international stage. Dhoni never looked back since then and there was very little Karthik could do.
Karthik was given some rare chances in later part of his career but he never succeeded in cementing his spot in the national team. His chances of making a comeback to the Indian team is still looking bleak now as Wriddhiman Saha has become the first-choice wicketkeeper in Tests while Dhoni is still going strong in the limited-overs format. However, the 31-year old is still harbouring the hopes of donning the Indian jersey. With chances of making a comeback as the wicketkeeper looking unlikely, the Tamil Nadu man feels he has done enough to be considered as a specialist batsman.
“I dream of playing for India again,” he said. “I have done enough to be considered a specialist batsman for the country too. For India, I have batted from No. 1 to 7.”
Karthik has scored heavily in the domestic circuit and feels that his shot-making has now improved. The right-handed batsman recently impressed during the league phase of the Vijay Hazare, scoring 397 runs in 6 outings at an astonishing average of 99.25. He also enjoyed a highly fruitful Ranji Trophy this season, scoring 704 runs at 54.15.
“My core game has improved with belief, planning, and execution. My defence was always good, it is just that I am building my innings in a better manner now, picking the right strokes,” he said.
He further said that spending some time with former India wicketkeeper Sameer Dighe has helped him improve his skills.
“I have been training under former India ’keeper Sameer Dighe. Now, I am able to ’keep to the ball spinning away from the right hander better,” he said.
Karthik, whose last appearance for India came in 2014 against Afghanistan, has played 23 Tests, 71 ODIs and 9 T20Is so far.