6 Matches, 197 runs, Average – 197, Strike rate – 209.57 – These are Dinesh Karthik’s numbers in the ongoing IPL 2022 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. DK has been handed over the finishing role by the franchise and as these numbers suggest, he has definitely grabbed it with both hands.
Most of Dinesh Karthik’s career was overshadowed by the great MS Dhoni and not only his, but a lot of talented wicket-keeper batters also didn’t stand a chance when the former Indian captain was going strong. Karthik has definitely reinvented and this new version of him is making a case for the T20 World Cup.
The veteran keeper has revealed he has bigger plans and wants to represent the national team in the upcoming T20 World Cup. In fact, Karthik hasn’t had the rub of the green on his side as he dropped from the T20I side on the basis of his performance in the 2019 50-overs World Cup.
There is no doubt that Karthik has been India’s best finisher in the T20I format in the last two years and deserves his chance. From 2018 to 2019, Dinesh Karthik played 13 innings for India from No.6 or lower in T20Is in which he scored his runs at an average of 56.5 and a blistering strike rate of 161.4.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik gave another example of why he should be part of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup as he smashed an unbeaten knock of 66 runs off just 34 balls against Delhi Capitals on Saturday. In fact, RCB was struggling at 92-5 however DK was once again able to finish the innings on a high to help them post 189 runs on the board.
“I must admit I have a bigger goal,” Karthik told host broadcaster Star Sports when receiving his Player-of-the-Match award. “I have been working really, really hard. Sometimes people don’t believe it. But my aim is to do something special for the country. This is part of the journey. I have been doing everything I can to be part of that Indian team. This is one step in that direction.”
Karthik revealed that he tries to stay calm in the crunch situations and it comes from preparing in the right manner.
“It’s good to know people associate calmness with me,” Karthik said when pointed to the calm he exudes in these chaotic situations. “Generally they say I am a little restless. I must admit positions and calmness come from preparation. When you know how you are going to go about an innings, it gives you a chance to be calm. Apart from that, trying to stay in the moment even though it sounds a little cliched. It is very important for my batting.”
DK will look to continue the good show in the upcoming matches to make even a stronger case for himself. RCB will next take on Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday at the Dr. DY Sports Patil Academy, Mumbai.
