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It has been a fairytale journey for Dinesh Karthik in the last two years. After a disappointing IPL season with KKR in 2021, the wicketkeeper-batter was part of the commentary team last year. Meanwhile, Karthik's international career was thought to be over. However, the 37-year-old backed himself, and his sheer dedication and passion for the game led to his grand return to the Indian set-up.
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Image - Navbharat Times
Also Read: West Indies Vs India: 4th T20I Full Preview, Lineups, Pitch Report, And Dream11 Team Prediction
The question was always there regarding the number of opportunities Karthik would get. He is not getting any younger, and with Hardik Pandya's return, his spot in the playing XI is still a matter of discussion. However, he is doing his job and helping team India cross the line.
"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 given 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."
Dinesh 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 added.
Dinesh Karthik thanked Dravid and Rohit for showing faith in him
It's impossible to do what Karthik is doing without proper support from the coach and the captain. At 37 years of age, Karthik is not the future but is still being backed by the management. For the support that helped Karthik to play a fearless brand of cricket, he came up to thank the management for showing faith in him. Moreover, he has also shown his gratitude to skipper Rohit Sharma.
"Extremely happy (with the backing). This is what I have aimed for all my life. And for the captain and coach to show so much belief in me, it is only fair that I repay the faith back by giving good performances, which will help the team, in many ways, cross the line."
Thanking the duo, Karthik said
This wouldn't have been possible if there wouldn't have been any clearer. A lot of players have lately appreciated the current Indian setup. However, Dinesh Karthik is the latest one to do so. The duo of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid is yet to be properly tested in red-ball cricket, but there's been a lot of positives in white-ball cricket.