Speaking in a press conference ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders tomorrow (April 21), Dinesh Karthik outlined his ambitions to play international cricket again. He last played for India in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Bangladesh in a group stage match. Earlier that year, he was recalled to the India T20I side after a three-year absence. He had featured in the national team consistently for six months, but scored only 14 runs in three innings in the T20 World Cup and was replaced by Rishabh Pant.

“At this stage of my life, it would be the greatest feeling for me to represent India [at the upcoming T20 World Cup,” said Karthik. “I’m very, very keen to do so. There is nothing bigger in my life other than representing India in this T20 World Cup. I also feel there are very, very stable and honest people who are at the helm to decide what should be the best India team for the World Cup.”

Karthik has scored 226 runs across six innings so far in the 2024 IPL, with a strike rate of 205. He has played important innings lower down the order for RCB, including back-to-back half centuries in their most recent matches. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he struck a rapid 83 to take RCB close in pursuit of Sunrisers’ record total of 287-3. His 35-ball innings to within 25 runs of SRH’s mammoth score.

With Rishabh Pant still not firing at his brutal best after his return from over a year out of the game due to injuries from his car accident, and further competition for the India wicketkeeping spot, Karthik’s inclusion is a possibility.

“I’m completely [fine] with Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar, and I respect any decisions that they take,” said Karthik. “But all I can say is, I’m 100 percent ready, and I know I’ll do everything I can to be on that flight to the World Cup.”