Dinesh Karthik has had the best of times in the last few months. After a staggering IPL 2022 campaign, where he scored 330 runs at an incredible strike rate of 183.33, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was recalled into the Indian side for the ongoing T20I series against South Africa.
Karthik made his comeback in the national colours after almost three years. His last appearance was during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
No wonder, the 37-year-old is feeling happy and proud to be part of the Indian squad.
“I am very happy and proud. It is an incredible atmosphere and team to be part of. For 3 years now, I have been on the outside looking in so I know what a special feeling it is to be part of this team,” Karthik told bcci.tv in an interview.
“I am very happy and grateful to be part of the team and I am enjoying every second of being here,” he added.
Talking about the motivation which led to his comeback to the Indian side, Karthik said: "I think I have been dropped so many times and I have always wanted to come back to the Indian team. That has been my biggest drive, whether I played domestic or the IPL. The urge and fire in the belly in terms of wanting to come back here and wear the national colours and represent India has been something that I dream of every day. That is what has kept me going in the last decade or so.”
“I have always found ways to try and enhance my game and people around me have helped me throughout that journey. The fact that I have always wanted to come back to the national team and do well has been the shining light in my life for a very very long time,” he further said.
Dinesh Karthik was part of the Indian team that played the T20I format for the very first time back in 2006. His role has changed over the years, but the experienced campaigner is still going strong.
Reflecting on his journey from the very first T20I to now, Karthik said, “It has almost been a decade and a half and a lot of things has changed. It’s a good feeling to know that you have played the first T20 and to come back now and play against South Africa is a lovely feeling. I think cricket has completely changed from what it was 15 years ago, especially this format. The fact that I have been a part of it and seen it grow, it is a completely different than what it used to be.”
“I am happy and very lucky to be here in this India team,” he concluded.
