Dinesh Karthik eager to be the finisher for India

Dinesh Karthik’s start-stop international career took yet another blow when he was dropped from the team after the World Cup. It is just surprising to realise that Karthik made his debut even before MS Dhoni but never really managed to cement his spot in the team. But the Tamil Nadu man is not new to setbacks and he is once again doing all the right things in domestic circuit.

The right-handed batsman has been in superb touch in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and has played some breathtaking knocks. In nine games, he scored four fifties including two ninety-plus scores. During the competition, he once again showcased his finishing abilities by slamming 97 off 62 balls against Bengal and then 65 not out off 28 balls against Madhya Pradesh.

With the T20 World Cup lined up next year and India in search of a good finisher, Karthik has definitely boosted his chances. No surprises that the man himself is delighted with his performances and has his eyes set on the tournament in Australia. He said that instead of batting in the top-order, he wants to bat lower in order to deliver when the team is under pressure.

“I am glad I could make all those runs with just a few overs remaining, with the World Cup coming up,” Karthik told The Hindu. “I know it is easy for me to bat in the top four and make big runs, but what I am trying to do is to stand up when the team is under pressure. M.S. Dhoni has done it for India for so many years.”

Enjoying finisher’s role

Having made a name for himself as a finisher in recent times, Dinesh Karthik said he relishes that role. Karthik did really well for India in T20Is last year with his heroics in the Nidahas Trophy final being the highlight. The wicketkeeper-batsman said he is confident of delivering as a finisher whenever he gets the opportunity.

“I have done that often for the country, like at the Asia Cup last year and in some of my recent T20I matches,” he said. “I relish my role as a finisher. That’s one of my strengths. Whenever I get an opportunity, I am confident I can win matches.”

Recently, Karthik also made it to the news for the wrong reasons. His former India teammate S Sreesanth had said that Karthik was responsible for his axing from the Indian team. However, Karthik rubbished the allegation and refused to speak much on the topic.

“Yes, I have heard about (former India seamer) S. Sreesanth’s comments that I was responsible his ouster from the Indian team,” he said. “Even to react to an allegation like that will be silly.”

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