Picture Credit: Twitter/IPL
Dinesh Karthik is probably having the best time of his career as the veteran cricketer has taken IPL 2022 by storm. The wicketkeeper batter, who was roped in by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at IPL 2022 Mega Auction, has repaid already with his back-to-back match-winning performances. In 6 innings of 6 games, he has aggregated 197 runs at an average of 197 as he has got out only once so far in the tournament. His strike rate is also skyrocketing at 209.57.
Karthik's consistency as a finisher has worked wonders for RCB as the team is sitting at the third position in the points table with four wins in six games. In the recently concluded game against Delhi Capitals, Karthik produced his best performance as he scored an unbeaten 66 off 34 balls. His supreme knock helped RCB beat DC by 16 runs and also won him the 'Player of the Match'.
After his fine performance on Saturday night, Karthik was congratulated by former captain Virat Kohli on the iplt20.com show. Virat Kohli hailed Karthik by calling him 'the man of IPL 2022'. As the duo talked through and touched on different topics like how the batter planned his innings against DC, what he has done differently this year, how is he liking the role and others?
Explaining his preparations before coming to the IPL, Karthik also revealed his short-term and long-term goals. While he called performing for RCB his short-term goal, playing again for India is Dinesh Karthik's long-term goal. "The big term goal or rather the bigger vision is to play for the country. I know there is a World Cup around the corner, and I want to be a part of that World Cup desperately and help India cross the line," said Karthik.
While Kohli did not reply instantly to this revelation from Karthik, he made a special mention at the end of the chat. He ensured Karthik that he has made a really strong case for himself and people at the highest level are taking notice of this. "I am very happy that DK is so clear in his goals. I can surely tell you that you have presented a very strong case for yourself moving forward playing T20 cricket not just for RCB but also, I am sure a lot of people are taking notice at the highest level as well," said Kohli.
Notably, Dinesh Karthik has not represented India since the 2019 World Cup semifinal in England where India were knocked out after losing to New Zealand.