India vs South Africa: Dinesh Karthik recalls T20 transformation after Team India comeback

Veteran Team India keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has stated that T20 cricket is a “completely different beast” now in comparison to 2006 when he played for the first time in India’s first-ever international match in the T20 format. However, it was their T20I debut in a one-off match against South Africa in Johannesburg on December 1, 2006. And, Karthik was the Player of the Match in that game for his unbeaten 31 off 28 as India chased down 127 with six wickets to spare. More than 15 years on, the veteran is the only player from either side who is still active in international cricket as well.

READ MORE: India vs South Africa 4th T20I: LIVE Streaming, When and Where to Watch, Schedule, Squads

In a recent video uploaded on bcci.tv, Dinesh Karthik opined on the transformation that the T20 format has seen over the years. He shared: “It’s almost a decade and a half, so a lot of things have changed. It’s a good feeling to know that you played the 1st T20I (India’s first T20I) and then obviously to come back and play against South Africa. Cricket has completely changed from what it was 15 years ago to what it is right now, especially this format. The fact that I have been part of it and seen it grow through various phase. It’s a completely different beast than what it used to be. To still be around and enjoy this, be part of the national team, I have no prouder way of putting it. Representing India means the most to me, and I am lucky to be here.”

“It’s an incredible atmosphere and team to be part of” – Dinesh Karthik

However, having been dropped from the Indian team after a series of poor performances in the 2019 World Cup, Karthik was recalled for the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. He had a stunning Indian Premier League 2022 season for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), scoring 330 runs which came at a strike rate of 183.33. Although he was never regular on the Indian side, he asserted that he has always had the motivation to do well and make a comeback too as well.

READ MORE: T20 Blast 2022 Leicestershire vs Lancashire: LIVE Streaming, When and Where to Watch

“It’s an incredible atmosphere and team to be part of. For three years now, I have been looking from outside. I know what a special feeling it is to be part of this team. I am very grateful and enjoying every second that I am here. I have been dropped so many times and I have always wanted to come back into the Indian team. That has been my biggest drive. Whether I have played domestic (cricket), whether I have played IPL, the fire in the belly in terms of wanting to come back here and wear the national colors and represent India is something that I dream of every day. That has kept me going consistently in the last decade,” Dinesh Karthik concluded.

Dinesh Karthik has registered the scores of 1, 30 and 6 in the three T20I matches against South Africa so far as well. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the remaining games.