Dinesh Karthik wants to be on flight to T20 World Cup

KOLKATA: Dinesh Karthik is nearing 39. Not quite an age that can make the national selectors turn around and give him a second thought before naming the India squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup . But then, Karthik might just feel he has done enough to make them do so, scoring 83 and 53* for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at a strike-rate of well over 200 in the past two games.

“At this stage of my life, it will be the greatest feeling for me to represent India,” he said before an RCB practice session at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday. “I am very, very keen to do so. There is nothing bigger in my life at this moment than to represent India in this T20 World Cup.”

Quite fanciful for the veteran wicketkeeper who last played for India in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He has already indicated that the ongoing IPL is most likely his last and an announcement of international retirement could happen soon.

He is already deep into an alternative career in the commentary box and a smooth transition is assured. Yet, a journey in Team India colours to the World Cup could be the final hurrah he is in search of.

“I also feel there are three very stable, honest people in Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar who are at the helm to decide what should be the best team for the World Cup. I am completely with them and will respect any decision that they take,” he added, implying that even if there are heartburns at being ignored, he will not show it.

“All I can say is that I am 100 per cent ready and I’ll do everything I can to be on that flight to the World Cup.”