T20 WC brand ambassador Yuvraj backs Rohit & Virat in squad
Karthik started the last T20 World Cup in Australia as India’s designated keeper before losing his spot ahead of the team’s semifinal defeat to England.
India’s head coach Ravi Shastri is believed to share a healthy bond with captain Virat Kohli and other young boys in the camp. But a few people know that the 55-year-old helped wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik make a comeback at the age of 32.
“In terms of feelers (for the future) from the team management, nothing has been communicated. But regarding my batting, I did have a long chat with Ravi bhai,” Karthik told PTI on Monday.
Also read: Sri Lanka set to counter-attack India, says coach Rumesh Ratnayeke
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Karthik doesn’t know his future in the Indian cricket team, though he remains focused on improving his game as suggested by coach Shastri.
“He (Shastri) was happy with my batting against New Zealand but he said there are still areas where I can improve upon, especially maintaining the tempo of the innings since he feels I have all the shots. I agree with him and that is what I would look to do,” Karthik said, referring to his unbeaten 64-run knock in the second ODI against New Zealand.
“I don’t know if it was my best ODI innings but it surely was an important one, personally as well as for the team,” the Tamil Nadu batsman added.
With the ODIs against Sri Lanka scheduled to start on December 10, Karthik has joined a preparatory camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to hone his skills further.
India will first host three Tests, starting with the opening Test to be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16-20.
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