"Just keep it as specific as possible" – Dinesh Karthik on his role as a finisher
Karthik hit the winning runs for India in the second T20I against Australia in Nagpur, as India romped home to a six-wicket win to level the series.
In a curtailed contest, India were set a total of 91 to chase in 8 overs. Karthik only faced two deliveries in his innings but got the job done for his side. Squaring off against Daniel Sams in the final over, Karthik hit a six and a four to help India chase down the target with four deliveries remaining in the bank.
Karthik has been drafted in as the finisher in the Indian side, a role he has excelled in for India as well his franchise in the IPL. He will be expected to play a similar role in Australia during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.
Speaking at the post-match conference, Karthik explained his role saying, "I have been practising over a period of time for this, and I have been doing it for RCB and I am happy doing it here. It is a consistent routine over a period of time."
Elaborating on the clear mindset he has, Karthik added, "When I get off time, I get a lot of scenario practice. Vikram Rathour and Rahul Dravid have also been accommodating of how I want to practice, and what shots I want to practice. I have been very specific about it, I don't practice too much, I just keep it as specific as possible."
Skipper Rohit Sharma was also at his brutal best in Nagpur, hitting a 20-ball 46* to help India set the pace in the chase. Karthik was left in awe of Sharma's skills, especially his abilities against the pacers.
"Rohit Sharma played brilliantly. I got two balls, so I just tried my best there. To play such shots against the new ball, against top-class new ball bowlers, is not easy.
"It shows why Rohit is such a big player in world cricket, not only Indian cricket. His ability to play against fast-bowling is second to none and that is what makes him truly special," Karthik added.
With the series tied at 1-1, the decider will be played in Hyderabad on Sunday, September 25.
