IND vs NZ 2017: Proud to Be a Part of This Team – Dinesh Karthik
Oct 17, 2017 at 11:18 AM
Expressing his delight over his comeback to the Indian team, wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has said he is ‘proud to be a part of a team that is going to leave a legacy in the next few years as one of the greatest teams India has ever seen.
The Tamil Nadu ace was recalled to the ODI team for the Champions Trophy after a sizzling performance in last domestic season where he led Tamil Nadu to their fifth Vijay Hazare title by scoring 112 in the final against Bengal.
He finished the 50-over tournament as the top run-getter averaging 86.71 while scoring 607 runs in nine matches.
However, he did not get any chance in the playing eleven during the Champions Trophy but got two ODIs in West Indies where he scored a fifty before playing a crucial knock of 48 not out before being surprisingly dropped from the team for the series against Sri Lanka and Australia.
However, a fine outing in the Duleep Trophy has helped him to get another recall, and he is too delighted to join the team.
“The present team is very good. Bowlers (like Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar) are bowling fantastic,” he told reporters on Monday (October 16).
“I am proud to be part of a team that is going to leave a legacy in the next few years as one of the greatest teams India has ever seen in terms of the players that have represented the country, which is led by a fantastic leader and has some seriously good senior players,” he added.“The great thing is that the bowlers are able to bat, which adds depth to the side.I am honoured and privileged just to be part of this team.”
Speaking about his mindset after being recalled, he said:
“I feel very positive to be back in the side. I feel very confident and will try to give my best. The team set-up is very vibrant, and there are good vibes in the dressing room. If I get the chance, I have to make the most of it.”
Karthik, who had played 73 ODIs and 10 T20 internationals so far, further said number four was the best batting position for him.
“Obviously No 4 is a great batting position for me to bat. I have been batting at No 4 for Tamil Nadu in white ball cricket. I am confident that I can do well,” he said.
The 32-year old, while admitting he is back up to MS Dhoni, said that he is confident of fielding anywhere in the field.
“I am confident of fielding anywhere. It is part of my repertoire. Now that I am a back-up for MS Dhoni, it is important that I keep practising and whenever given the opportunity do the best I can,” he said.
Karthik also had a word of praise for head coach Ravi Shastri.
“He (Shastri) is fantastic. He had a chat with me and told me how he sees me in future. He told me what I must do. Sanjay Bangar, B Arun and R Sridhar make a formidable support staff along with Shastri,” Karthik said.