Dinesh Karthik's journey over the past two years has been something out of a fairytale. The wicketkeeper-batter was a member of the commentary team last year and it was believed that Karthik's international career was gone following a disappointing IPL season with KKR in 2021. The 37-year-old strengthened himself, though, and his persistent devotion and love for the game resulted in his successful comeback to the Indian lineup.
Whether Karthik will receive many opportunities was a constant concern. Hardik's return has made his position in the starting XI up for debate. But he is carrying out his duties and assisting India to reach the finish line.
Dinesh Karthik is the most recent player to express gratitude for the current Indian set-up. Although Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have shown a lot of potential in white-ball cricket, they haven't yet been put to the test in red-ball cricket.
“I think I have said it a lot, and I will keep saying it, I think this is one of the best team environments I have been in because of the consistency and continuity they seem to be giving to players. They are not judged on an everyday basis, and they are given time; they are given the opportunity to fail. I think it is very important to give players the opportunity to fail and then move on to the next player,” Karthik told reports before the fourth T20I against West Indies.
“Pressure is a privilege at this point in time. As a cricketer, as a sportsperson, it is something which is given only when you are playing at the highest level, and people expect certain things from you, so I am happy”, Karthik said.
Karthik has developed into a consistent finisher for the Indian team after amassing 330 runs in the IPL 2022. His undefeated 41 off just 19 balls during the first T20I against the West Indies helped India score a total of 190 runs.