I’m 100% ready: Dinesh Karthik on T20 World Cup plans

Dinesh Karthik is determined to secure a seat on the flight to the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, commencing in June. Notably, Karthik has been one of the consistent batters for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2024. He has so far accumulated 226 runs, the third-highest tally for RCB, at an impressive strike rate of 205.45 and an average of 75.33.

Speaking ahead of RCB’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on April 21, Karthik expressed his eagerness to represent India in the T20 mega event at this juncture of his career. He also stated that he has much belief that Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajit Agarkar would pick the ideal squad for the highly anticipated tournament. He further affirmed his readiness for the competition, asserting he’s fully prepared if given the chance.

“At this stage in my life, it would be the greatest feeling for me to represent India (at the upcoming T-20 World Cup). I’m very, very keen to do so. There is nothing bigger in my life other than representing India in this T-20 World Cup,” Karthik said on the eve of RCB’s game.

“I also feel there are three very, very stable, honest people who are at their helm to decide what should be the best Indian team for the World Cup. Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajit Agarkar. And I’m completely with them. I respect any decision that they take. But all I can say is I’m 100% ready. And you know I’ll do everything I can to be on that flight to the World Cup,” the 38-year-old added.

For the unversed, before the tournament, Karthik had hinted that IPL 2024 might mark his last season and that he would soon call time on his international career. Notably, his performance in the last three IPL seasons has empowered him a lot. He has effectively advocated for the role of a finisher and earned a spot in the 2022 T20 World Cup squad, which has been his previous appearance for the national side.