'I get goosebumps when I think of playing with Sachin'
Dinesh Karthik had hardly begun to walk when Sachin Tendulkar made his first-class debut
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan
10-Aug-2004
Dinesh Karthik had hardly begun to walk when Sachin Tendulkar made his first-class debut. In a few days' time, both will be sharing the same dressing-room. Karthik talks to Siddhartha Vaidyanathan about his initial reaction when he heard about his selection and looks ahead to the upcoming one-day challenges:
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On hearing the news of his selection
The news came during the last four-day game of the Zimbabwe tour. I was wicketkeeping when Sandeep Patil, the coach, signalled a thumbs-up sign from the dressing-room. Just like everyone else I had a bit of hope about being selected. But it was still a huge surprise.
The news came during the last four-day game of the Zimbabwe tour. I was wicketkeeping when Sandeep Patil, the coach, signalled a thumbs-up sign from the dressing-room. Just like everyone else I had a bit of hope about being selected. But it was still a huge surprise.
On playing at international level
I am just going to stick to whatever I have done till now. I think I can succeed at international level if I continue doing the basics well. And I have the confidence to do that.
I am just going to stick to whatever I have done till now. I think I can succeed at international level if I continue doing the basics well. And I have the confidence to do that.
On batting at No. 7
All my life I have batted at No. 6 or 7, and I am used to that slot. I know that the position demands shifting between hitting the big shots and rotating the strike with the tail. A number of my scores have come while batting with the tail. So if I happen to be in such a situation, it won't be something new.
All my life I have batted at No. 6 or 7, and I am used to that slot. I know that the position demands shifting between hitting the big shots and rotating the strike with the tail. A number of my scores have come while batting with the tail. So if I happen to be in such a situation, it won't be something new.
On his trip to Zimbabwe with India A
The pitches were seaming and are much more bouncy than in India. It helped me in both departments. Also, I had a chance to keep wicket to Sairaj Bahutule, one of the best legspinners in India, and it was a good learning experience. I have kept to Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh in practice games, but keeping in match situations really counts.
The pitches were seaming and are much more bouncy than in India. It helped me in both departments. Also, I had a chance to keep wicket to Sairaj Bahutule, one of the best legspinners in India, and it was a good learning experience. I have kept to Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh in practice games, but keeping in match situations really counts.
On whether wicketkeeping affects his batting
If I am keeping well it has a good effect on my batting. Sometimes it works the other way as well. There are days when I am really happy with both the batting and the keeping. It is finally all about confidence.
If I am keeping well it has a good effect on my batting. Sometimes it works the other way as well. There are days when I am really happy with both the batting and the keeping. It is finally all about confidence.
On being in the same team as Sachin Tendulkar
I get goosebumps whenever I think of sharing the same dressing-room with Sachin. When it actually happens, I will pinch myself and make sure I am still not dreaming. All these guys - Sachin, Sourav and Rahul - were my heroes when I was growing up. It is an unbelievable feeling to be playing in the same team. I'm also looking forward to meeting Adam Gilchrist and Graham Thorpe.
I get goosebumps whenever I think of sharing the same dressing-room with Sachin. When it actually happens, I will pinch myself and make sure I am still not dreaming. All these guys - Sachin, Sourav and Rahul - were my heroes when I was growing up. It is an unbelievable feeling to be playing in the same team. I'm also looking forward to meeting Adam Gilchrist and Graham Thorpe.