Karthik wants to win T20 World Cup for India; Kohli calls him 'Man of IPL'
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik is in red-hot form in the ongoing IPL 2022. He has played the role of the finisher to perfection for his team.
Now, he has a “bigger goal”. That is to play for the Indian team again.
Also read: Johannesburg to Mumbai: ‘Finisher’ Dinesh Karthik not finished yet
On Saturday night (April 16), Karthik yet again shone brightly. This time, he blitzed 66 not out off 34 against Delhi Capitals at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. He was instrumental in rescuing RCB from 92/5 while batting first. Thanks to his knock, RCB posted 189/5 in 20 overs and successfully defended it.
In six matches so far in IPL 2022, he has been dismissed only once, against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has accumulated 197 runs off 94 at a strike rate of 209.57 with 18 fours and 14 sixes.
‘Doing everything’
Speaking to the host broadcaster Star Sports after collecting his Player of the match trophy on Saturday, Karthik said he wants to do something special for the Indian team.
“I must admit I have a bigger goal. 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,” the 36-year-old said.
Hope the drive was worth it 🤗 https://t.co/EpMBHOmghQ
— DK (@DineshKarthik) April 17, 2022
He has remained calm under pressure and delivered the goods. “Feels good to know that people associate calmness with me. Positions and calmness come from preparation,” he said.
His current form has earned him high praise from current, former players and fans. Many have called for his inclusion in the Indian team.
RCB captain Faf du Plessis said Karthik is in the form of his life. “The way DK is playing at the moment, I sound like a broken record but he is in the form of his life. What makes him even more (special) is he is so clear in his game plans. He is so calm and composed right through. Obviously very lucky to have him in our team at the moment.”
‘Man of the IPL’
After the win against DC, Virat Kohli interviewed Karthik for IPL’s official website and called him “Man of the IPL” so far.
“The small-term goal is to do well for RCB and the bigger-term goal, rather the bigger vision is to play for the country. I want to be a part of the (2022 T20) World Cup squad, and help India cross the line,” Karthik told Kohli.
Replying to this, Kohli said that Karthik has presented a “strong case” to be included in the national team again. He also added the former RCB player AB de Villiers would be proud of him (Karthik) finishing games for the Bangalore franchise.
“The ultimate goal is to win games for India”: @DineshKarthik tells @imVkohli 🙌🏻
Special: @28anand gets DK and VK in one frame post #RCB‘s win against #DC👌🏻
Full interview 🎥 🔽 #TATAIPL | #DCvRCB https://t.co/8IHrM2SbN0 pic.twitter.com/UiOZsBZQ31
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2022
Karthik, who made his international cricket debut way back in 2004, has not played for India since July 2019. His last appearance in the India blue jersey was in semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019 in England. He is now aiming to get back to the India T20I side. He had featured in India’s first-ever T20I in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2006, where he was the Player of the match in the team’s win.
The Tamil Nadu player, who was bought by RCB for Rs 5.5 crore, has been an IPL veteran, having played for various franchises and also has captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
