But after an early failure at Lord's, and a comical dropped catch at cover, Karthik has flourished through a very obvious aptitude to learn.
Following that first innings dismissal at Lord's - lbw to Ryan Sidebottom's inswinger - he adapted his technique, modifying his stance to allow for Sidebottom's different angle. He has had little trouble with him since. At Trent Bridge, he was lucky to escape being given out lbw sweeping Monty Panesar's first ball.
Yesterday it was noticeable how he eschewed the shot when Panesar drifted into his pads, playing such deliveries deftly, with a straight bat. A perfectly executed six over extra cover had the poise and precision of a shot Sachin Tendulkar unveiled at Trent Bridge.
This is a chameleon cricketer, obviously able to adapt to different circumstances. He had been greeted at the crease in previous Tests with a sarky "he's not even first choice 'keeper, never mind batsman" but if such improvement continues he will soon not need to worry about packing his wicketkeeping gauntlets.
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