Where it all began for gritty Dinesh Karthik

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Dinesh Karthik has enough reasons to be disgruntled. The Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batsman has not had a great season with the bat but there has been enough to suggest the touch was back.

Question marks over his ability behind the stumps were also adequately answered. Selection will always remain a matter of conjecture but Karthik was truly unlucky to miss the flight to Australia.
The Ranji Trophy final provides Karthik a fine opportunity to silence doubters.

The last time Tamil Nadu played the final the biggest positive to emerge from that game was Karthik who announced his arrival with a counter-attacking hundred. “It does bring some great memories back. It the hundred in the semis and final that paved way for my India A selection. Those two knocks made my career,” said Karthik.

Karthik who relinquished captaincy after the defeat to Rajasthan last season can't wait for the final to start. “It has been a fantastic season where the team has progressed as a unit.

The mood in the camp is relaxed and we are not looking at doing anything differently in the final. All we want to do is enjoy our cricket,” added Karthik.

Hundreds against Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have been the pristine moments for Karthik in this campaign.

However improvement with the big gloves has gladdened Karthik's heart no end. “I have had a few tough years as a 'keeper but my rhythm this year has been good. I did drop a few catches that proved costly in the past. I worked hard on that aspect and they have paid well,” said Karthik.

Ahead of the final against Rajasthan, Karthik is not ready to be bothered by his omission from the national team. “I can only look to do my job.

The Ranji final is something we have all wanted to be a part of for a very long time. L. Balaji has led the team brilliantly and the support staff have played their part as well. We are focused to make it count this time,” concluded Karthik, who will be playing his second Ranji final.