Dinesh Karthik, who had categorically ruled out any possibility of playing in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, has taken a U-turn. The veteran is ready to represent India in the global tournament if selectors recall him to the side. In his conversation with Nasser Hussain, DK refused to entertain the former player”s call that the wicket-keeper batter should be a part of the World Cup squad.
“I am not buying anything of what you are saying. You were the one who wanted me out of the Indian team in the T20 World Cup in 2022. You were gunning for my sead and was looking for Rishabh Pant,” Dinesh Karthik had said on SKY Sports.
However, it seems he has a change of heart after playing exceptionally well for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024. The veteran is hitting the ball miles away, and his breathtaking batting has impressed everyone. In his conversation with PTI, Dinesh admitted that he is 100 per cent ready to play for the country.
“At this stage in my life, it would be the greatest feeling to represent India. I’m 100% ready. I’ll do everything I can to be on that flight to the T20 WC,” he said.
India captain Rohit Sharma had also teased him about travelling with Team India for the World Cup during the MI vs RCB match at the Wankhede Stadium.
Ambati Rayudu, who played for MI and CSK, wants the selectors to consider DK as he is the best batter in the lower order and can win games single-handedly. He is preferring Karthik over Rishabh Pant.
DK will have to compete with Pant, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma for the slot. Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is likely to announce the team in the last week of April.
