Karthik last played for India during their 2019 World Cup semifinal defeat to New Zealand, and while he acknowledges that a return to the 50-over side may be far-fetched after his poor returns in that tournament, he remains hopeful, and even feels it would be unfair if he isn’t given a chance in the T20I side.

“It does hurt, no doubt about that. I have always had this burning desire to play for my country and it hasn’t diminished one bit,” Karthik told PTI. “My record in T20s has been good. A big tournament like the World Cup did not go exactly as per the plan. I could understand the one-day bit [being dropped from the side], but even now, I would like to think that I stand a good chance of returning to the T20 side.”

“It [being out of the team] is not something new to me, so I am comfortable in the space that I am in,” Karthik said. “There is a T20 World Cup around the corner, and I know if I do well, I stand a good chance of making the team. I know it gets tougher every time. The team is getting stronger all the time and it is great to watch. But it is my duty to get better as a player and the rest will take care of itself.”