Comeback man Dinesh Karthik stole the show during the fourth T20 International against South Africa in Rajkot on Friday night. No. Batting at 6, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 55 off 27 balls, including 9 fours and 2 sixes, to score his maiden T20I fifty. He shared a crucial 65-run partnership with vice-captain Hardik Pandya as the hosts chased down a target of 170 runs for the Proteas.
In response, the visitors succumbed to an 82-run defeat and were bowled out for their lowest total in the shortest format of the game – 87/9. whereas India After leveling the series at 2-2, Karthik received the man of the match award for his remarkable innings.
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After clinical win, 37-year-old has candid chat with Pandya in Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. When asked about the mindset of dealing with the bowlers of South Africa, Karthik gave a touching reply. The cricket veteran said that he knows the value of the opportunity to represent the team at the international level. So, he made the most of it.
“I was so sharp-minded, that I want to play this World Cup. It’s very important to me because I’ve been around for so long and I know how it feels to be dropped. I know that too. How valuable is it to play for Team India.
“So, I wanted to do something special. And luckily, RCB gave me the stage, a role that I really enjoyed doing. I rehearsed for it, I worked for it and saw it succeed. And then Obviously, the love and affection of everyone who saw me all the time – from the captain to the coach, the selectors, are going ahead and giving me this opportunity,” Kartik told Pandya during an interaction on BCCI.tv.
“Now that I am here, I want to be the man who can help Team India win those tough games. I want to be in that position, whenever I go I try to do something special because I have seen the team from outside. I know how hard it is to be a part of it. The kind of competition, the kind of talent in the dressing room is amazing.”
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Karthik also appreciated the atmosphere of the Indian dressing room full of ‘youth energy’. He said that he is enjoying it very much and at the same time is showing his abilities when given an opportunity.
“The vibe is very different. I feel like I’m having a lot of fun with it. There’s quite a youthful energy that swirls around which I’m really enjoying. Plus I want to show off what I’m good at when given the opportunity .’
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