The Tamil Nadu skipper has been brilliant of late, most recently scoring a scintillating 66* in 34 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022.
RCB’s messiah in this edition of the Indian Premier League, Karthik’s turnaround has been nothing short of incredible. He began his journey in commentary after the 2021 IPL edition was cut short mid-way when he started commentating in the World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand.
From then on, Karthik has been extremely successful with the microphone in his hand, as his critics assumed that the veteran’s career on the field was over. However, the Tamil Nadu star has turned over a new leaf, producing top-class cricket for the Royal Challengers, getting dismissed only once in six games.
The 36-year-old has been absolutely magnificent, as the RCB management has used him in excellent fashion, nailing his entry points, and the player has delivered exactly what has been expected of him.
Karthik has admitted that he has been working really hard, not just for the IPL, but for a place in the Indian T20 side, as he was last part of the squad in 2019. However, it is baffling that he was axed from the squad, especially considering that he averaged an incredible 56.5 while also striking at 162 between 2018 and 2019.
“I must admit I have a bigger goal. I have been working really, really hard. Sometimes people don’t believe it. But my aim is to do something special for the country. This is part of the journey. I have been doing everything I can to be part of that Indian team. This is one step in that direction.”
Karthik said, as per Cricbuzz.
Nevertheless, he has proven time and again this season that he is still among the best in the business when it comes to death overs batting and has made a strong case for his inclusion in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. This seems like a no-brainer, given that Karthik is brilliant against express pace and against the short ball as well.
“It’s good to know people associate calmness with me. Generally they say I am a little restless. I must admit positions and calmness come from preparation. When you know how you are going to go about an innings, it gives you a chance to be calm,”
he concluded.
