Dinesh Karthik: I have brought my kit bag so that I can practise regularly

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik. Pic/AFP

Ever heard of a commentator carrying his full cricket kit to a commentary assignment? Dinesh Karthik has done so as he prepares for his commentary duties in the June 18-22 World Test Championship final contested between India and New Zealand, followed by the five-Test series against England.

"First and foremost, I am still a cricketer. Playing cricket at the highest level is top priority. After landing here [in the UK], I spent time at the gymnasium and then headed for Southampton. I know that I have to play in the IPL in UAE. I have to be fit for it. I have brought my kit bag so that I can practise regularly," Karthik told mid-day.

Karthik, who last played for India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at Manchester, has not given up hopes of a comeback into the national team. "My aim is to come back to the Indian team. There will be two T20 World Cups in consecutive years. I will give my all to make it back," said Karthik, who turned 36 on June 1. As far as commentary is concerned, he said: "I am really excited about it. I do not have much experience, but I think I will do a decent job. I did commentary in a semi-final of the Tamil Nadu Premier League," he said. Apart from the WTC final, Karthik will also be commentating in the five-Test series against England. "Sunil Gavaskar, Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton will be my co-commentators here. I shall try and learn the finer points of commentary while on the job. I am not thinking about it as a future career till the time I am actively playing," said Karthik whose favourite commentator is Richie Benaud.

399 - No. of runs scored by Dinesh Karthik in 32 T20Is @ 33.25

Also read: Team India to stay in managed isolation before World Test Championship