India 'A' wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Kaarthik is back from Zimbabwe after getting a call-up to the senior team that will play in the Holland tri-series, NatWest Challenge and ICC Champions Trophy.
The 19 year-old, who shot to the limelight after impressive performances in the under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in February, spoke with Special Contributing Correspondent Shobha Warrier at his home in Chennai.
How did you receive the news about your selection to the Indian team?
I was doing wicketkeeping for the India 'A' team in Zimbabwe when Sandeep Patil [coach of the India 'A' team] told me I was selected. I felt very elated and happy. Like every other cricketer, my dream also was to play for the country one day, and I would say I am on the verge of realising my dream.
After you learnt about your selection did you feel any pressure?
Not at all; I didn't feel any pressure. I felt just normal, and I continued with my work as if nothing had happened.
Did you celebrate your selection?
No, there was no celebration at all. I just arrived in Chennai. There is not going to be any celebration.
After the team was announced, captain Sourav Ganguly said Rahul Dravid would continue keeping wickets for India. Do you feel disappointed?
No, I wasn't disappointed at all. I just want to do whatever the Indian team management wants me to do. I will be more than happy to obey their orders. I think my time will come one day, and I will be able to prove myself.
What is your strength?
I think my strength is my batting. I bat very positively. I also do 'keeping well.
Do you feel nervous when you think of keeping to bowlers like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh?
Right now I don't feel nervous. Maybe, later on, when I am ready to keep to them, I may feel a little nervous. But I think I should be able to do the job.
What are the plans that you have chalked out for yourself?
I just want to do well and play for the team as long as possible. That's my goal.
Photograph: Sreeram Selvaraj
