Dinesh Karthik admits that he is feeling the pressure after a tough match in Mohali last week, but says he is ready for the second Test, at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, beginning Wednesday.
"Yes, I am feeling a little bit of pressure," he told rediff.com.
"But I must also admit it was a little bit difficult, especially when you consider that Anil Kumble was bowling in the rough and the ball was doing things.
"Kumble tried a lot of variations and the bounce was also variable," said the 19-year-old 'keeper in defence of his not-too-good showing in the first Test against Pakistan, which ended in a draw.
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Nayan Mongia was the last wicketkeeper who had a long run with the Indian team. After him, India is still to find a permanent solution for their 'keeping woes.
A few options came up in the last four years, and when Parthiv Patel came on the scene as a 17-year-old, it looked as if the search was over and the team had found a wicketkeeper who could hold on to the ball.
But 19 Tests down the line, the Gujarat wicketkeeper was found woefully short of temperament and technique -- at the international level.
His replacement, Karthik, is also drawing some flak after an error-prone performance in the first Test.
Karthik's job is certainly going to be tougher in the second Test with India expected to play two spinners in Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
But he feels he will be up to the task.
"It has always been difficult keeping to the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Kumble on the turning tracks in India, but it is a challenge and I am ready for it," he declared.
The Tamil Nadu 'keeper also said captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright have made him feel comfortable in the side.
"Sourav told me to enjoy the game and just relax. He said not to take any undue pressure and just to concentrate on the game. And Wright, he has motivated me a lot.
"Now I am all geared up for tomorrow's match."
Talking about his batting preparation for the second Test, he said, "I had a good batting session. I am hoping that I will also be able to contribute with the bat too in this match."
He went on to add that the mood in the dressing room is positive and not one of utter disappointment after India failed to clinch victory on the last day of the first Test.
Needing just four wickets for victory, India were thwarted by a brilliant batting display from Kamran Akmal (109) and Abdul Razzaq (71).
"We dominated the match for four days, but somehow we could not finish it."
"The team is not disappointed. All the players are ready and geared up and are looking forward to the second Test."
