Former India captain Virat Kohli backed veteran wicket keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik to make a comeback for the national team for the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Follow Us
Former India and RCB captain interacted with veteran wicket keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik after his brilliant knock as a finisher against DC in the IPL 2022 clash on Saturday.
Karthik notched up an unbeaten knock of 66 runs to help RCB sail over line. It was his one of the many knocks in the ongoing season which proved that he has still got it all as a batter and can contribute at the highest level.
“I haven’t done this a lot. But here I am, today is a special night to do it. I am here with the man of the moment, ‘Man of the IPL’ for me so far,” Kohli said in the interaction with Karthik for iplt20.com. “It’s been wonderful. I won’t even say ‘long may it continue’ because it will and you’re in that of space and I can see that. It was an honour to watch you bat again. Thanks for getting us across the line. This is the best I have seen you bat since IPL 2013.”
Karthik, meanwhile, said that he has bigger visions going forward and wants to be around the corner for the national team and help them at the 2022 T20 World Cup in October.
“The bigger vision is that I want to play for the country. I know there is a World Cup around the corner. I want to be part of that World Cup desperately and help India cross that line. It’s been a long time since India won a multi-nation tournament. I want to be that person who is helping India do that. For that, you need to be aware of so many things, try and be that player who people think ‘hey this guy is doing something special’,” Karthik said.
“Every day I practice with that intent in my mind. Credit to my coach who has put me through so many drills to make sure I get the best out of myself.
“As you grow older, it’s important to stay fit. I have tried my best to do it.
“I am so happy contributing to RCB. This is my 2nd time with RCB and I wanted to do something special. For a start, it feels privileged that you’re asking me these questions,” Karthik said.
READ MORE: IPL 2022: Deepak Chahar sidelined for three months due to L5 injury
Karthik has notched up the scores of an unbeaten 66, 34, unbeaten 7, 44 not out and 14 not out in his last five innings for RCB while playing the role of a finisher to make a statement. He admitted that he is eager to make a comeback for Team India after making his last international appearance in an ODI match against New Zealand in July 2019.
Kohli believes that Karthik has made a strong case and everyone has taken notice of it ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
“I am so happy that DK is clear with his goals and I can surely tell you that if you have presented a very strong case moving forward for yourself and playing T20 cricket not just for RCB but I am sure a lot of people are taking notice at the highest level as well because you mentioned AB and I think AB will be very proud watching from Pretoria, sitting at home and watching you finish games for us and take the team across the line,” Kohli said
