CT 2017: Dinesh Karthik hungry to succeed for Indian team again

Team India look like a very settled unit ahead of their title defense in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. It comes as no surprise to see the Indian team being tagged as the favorites to defend their title. Many pundits have backed their chances. The late addition to the Indian squad was wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik. He was named the replacement for Manish Pandey in the squad.

As per the recent quotes in the Sportstarlive, Dinesh Karthik spoke at length about his expectations from the tournament. He was with the team in the previous edition when the team had won the tournament in 2013. Also, he has started off his preparations very well with a score of 94 in the warm-up game against Bangladesh. When asked if his selection brought back the memories of 2013, he replied in affirmation.

“Definitely. Last time, it was a different feeling. I am happy to be back in the squad after three years. I want to give it my best,” quoted Dinesh Karthik.

Dinesh Karthik reigning supreme in domestic circuit

In the domestic season this year, Karthik has been phenomenal. He scored runs at will for the Tamil Nadu team this season. He is now keen on translating the same form to the Champions Trophy. He is hungry to succeed for the Indian team now.

“If you can carry that form into international, that’ll be great. That’s what I am planning to do. It’s been a good year with Tamil Nadu. The reason why I am sitting here is because of Tamil Nadu’s great team effort. So, I wish to play well for India,” he conceded.

On Indo-Pak clash

Team India will start their campaign against the arch-rivals Pakistan on June 4 at Birmingham. This is not the first time that Dinesh Karthik will be a part of the Indian team that will take on Pakistan. Commenting on the atmosphere of the team, he commented that the feeling is simply amazing.

“It’s amazing. The grounds will be packed. There will be crowds from the hotel to the ground. The last time I was a part of it, it was great. I really look forward to it again. And I want to do well in that game,” he conceded.

On parents’ influence

When asked to comment on the role played by his parents in shaping his cricket career, Karthik noted that his parents were always very supportive. They never pressurized him to study and these little things mattered a lot in his career.

“I wouldn’t be here without them. There were a lot of difficulties. My dad was working in Kuwait and I had to be here. They were the one who guided me. They wouldn’t pressurize me in studies. These little things mattered a lot,” quipped the wicket-keeper batsman.