Mumbai: Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, whose presence was widely negated since the arrival of Jamshedpur juggernaut Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has his biggest test ahead.
He will finally don the Indian colours during the seventh and final ODI against England on Saturday.
“I’m just going to enjoy myself. I realise that if I put too much pressure on myself and have too much expectations then I would not be able to give out my best,” Karthik said.
The battle for the wicket-keeping slot in Team India has risen to a slugfest ever since Dhoni came into the picture.
Karthik who replaced Parthiv Patel, was India's first choice keeper for over a year in Test matches. Not just behind the stumps, but Karthik also raised his stakes with a good run with the bat.
But the swashbuckling Dhoni’s performance in one-dayers meant Karthik being sidelined from even the Test side.
However the Tamil Nadu youngster has got another opportunity to prove himself in the shorter version of the game. “So, its better to go out with a blank mind and do the best you can,” he added.
Though Karthik’s stint in Ranji was commendable, he was given the miss during India's tour to Pakistan. The job went to the man he had earlier replaced, Parthiv.
However, he has clawed his way back into contention.
He will certainly have his hands full with only one match to prove his mettle. Dhoni’s recent performances have only left the second keeper’s slot open.
Karthik thus is eyeing the position for long tours ahead. “They are looking at two keepers so I’m sure I’ll be a strong contender for it. So it’s basically how well I do at every game I play at the international level,” he said.
With Karthik’s name also in the India A squad to Abu Dhabi for a six-nation EurAsia cricket series, good news continue to pour in for the youngster.
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