The Hindu : Sport : ‘Daredevils a vibrant team’

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‘Daredevils a vibrant team’

S. Dinakar

IPL will be a success
Excited about playing alongside giants like McGrath

— File Photo

Dinesh Karthik.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s most successful international cricketer over the past two years will not be turning out for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Says Dinesh Karthik, “I would have loved to have played for the Super Kings but you cannot worry about things you cannot control.”

The complexities of the bidding process meant Karthik found himself in the Delhi Daredevils outfit. “It is a vibrant team with options and I will give it my best shot,” he told The Hindu on Thursday.

Match-winning effort

In the country’s maiden international in this format, against South Africa at the Wanderers in 2006, Karthik’s 28-ball unbeaten 31 was a match-winning effort.

The wicket-keeper batsman dazzled under the lights; he used his feet, innovated, stroked fine or firm. He was nerveless orchestrating the chase. Karthik was a winner as the Indians celebrated.

Indeed, Karthik has had his moments with the bat and the big gloves in all forms of the game for the country. His batting average in 19 Tests — he has 931 runs — is a creditable 32.10.

Behind the wickets, Karthik has held 42 catches and effected five stumpings. In 26 ODIs, he has 330 runs (strike rate 69.76), 23 catches and two stumpings.

The little man has a big heart. In other words, temperament is not a commodity he lacks.

The last few months, however, have been hard on Karthik. From being a specialist Test opener, circumstances forced him to the sidelines. Now, he faces a test of character.

Unfazed

Despite the reversal of fortunes, Karthik remains unfazed. “I do not want to dwell on the past. I want to look at the future. I have worked on the mental aspect. More than technique, cricket is a mind game. Your mind decides where you eventually end up,” he says.

He talks about the importance of enjoying Twenty20 cricket rather than being overwhelmed by the burden of having to deliver off a fewer balls. “You have to relish Twenty20 and its demands. You cannot allow the pressure to get to you.”

Karthik then talks about the dynamics of batting in the game’s shortest version. “It’s a lot about the big hits and the power game. But you also require to work the ball around, rotate the strike. You have to react and adapt to the situations quicker than in the ODIs. Shot selection will be critical.”

Ready for duels

He eyes a role in the top-order. “I think I will find a place in the first three slots. Mentally, I am ready for the duels.”

The IPL, he says, will be a success, “There are so many big names involved. Some of the game’s finest cricketers are a part of the tournament. I am sure the stands will fill up.”

The Chennai lad is excited about the prospect of sharing the same dressing room with giants such as Glenn McGrath. “There are so many things you can learn from him, like mental make-up, work ethics and discipline,” says Karthik.

Even as Karthik braces himself up for the hectic days ahead, he does not forget his friends in the Super Kings team. “I wish them the best of luck,” he says.

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