JOIN USPressed into service after injury to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik on Tuesday said being an “outsider”, he can add a bit of freshness to India’s Asia Cup campaign after the battering in recent international engagements.
“I got to know about three-four days back, I guess I’m used to it now being called so many times. It doesn’t play on my mind too much,” Karthik said. “For me it’s about coming out here... It’s important to get into the zone just before the game. Obviously, as a player I’m very excited to be a part of this Indian cricket team. It’s one of the best teams available. For me, it’s an honour to represent India and do the best that I can,” he added.
Asked about India’s prolonged winless patch with the last coming in against visiting West Indies in November last year, a nonchalant Karthik said: “Actually, you should have asked this question to somebody who was a part of these eight ODIs. From an outsider point of view, I’m coming into this team fresh. As an individual I can talk of my perspective and say that for me it’s going to be exciting. I’m sure it’s the same for all the players. But somebody who has played those eight games will answer this question much better.”
Karthik went on to add that the team has an exciting bunch of youngsters who would be keen to do well. “Definitely, it’s a big tournament for all of us. It’s going to be exciting for all the young players in the team, so we all are really looking forward to it.”
Karthik also felt that it would be foolish on their part if they take Bangladesh for granted considering their two permier performers Shakib-al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are out due to various reasons.