Dinesh Karthik, the Royal Challengers Bangalore wicket keeper-batter, has been in great form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, averaging over 57 with a strike rate of over 190. This is the main reason for the right-handed batter’s comeback to India’s T20I team after three years.

Karthik has been selected for the forthcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, which begins June 9 in Delhi. Karthik stated that this is his “most special comeback” and that he is delighted.

“I’m overjoyed. Very satisfying, I must say that this has been probably my most special comeback because, you know, a lot of people had given up on me, and for me to come back and do what I did and practise the way I did with my coach Abhishek Nayar and so many special things that happened in the leadup to the auction and how I practised after that has been very special. A lot of credit also goes to Sanjay Bangar and Mike Hesson for providing me with the clarity I needed to perform the role I intended to play. “I am grateful to RCB in many ways for picking me and trusting me. Going out there and trying to do my best for RCB, which is a wonderful franchise, so all in all, a very good feeling,” Karthik said in a video released on RCB’s official Twitter handle.

Also read: Karthik indebted to RCB for India comeback, eyes spot in T20 World Cup

Karthik also discussed how being a commentator last year gave the impression that he was no longer interested in playing for India. However, he always aimed to represent the national team.

“I believe the selectors, Rohit and Dravid, deserve many credits because there are so many young lads putting up their names for selection these days, and to see the skill set and then decide this is the player we need for the World Cup is a humbling experience. I know the trip to the World Cup continues, but to be a part of it and have the opportunity to demonstrate my skills makes me very proud, and I think I’ve been believing for a long time now,” said Karthik.

“I was always hopeful, but people around me certainly gave me the impression that you shouldn’t dream too big, and I took on the position of a commentator for a while, which gave the impression that I am not interested in trying to make a comeback to the Indian team,” he added.

Also read: IPL 2022 Qualifier 1: When and where to watch Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals, live streaming?

Karthik has scored 287 runs in 14 matches this IPL season at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 191.33, assisting RCB in reaching the play-offs.

  Also read: Women’s T20 Challenge: Supernovas go unchanged vs Velocity

Dinesh Karthik struck 29 runs off eight balls to help India win the Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh in 2018, and that remains one of the wicketkeeper’s greatest  knocks. Karthik hopes to play the same role in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.