Dinesh Karthik is the third-highest run-getter for RCB in IPL 2024 with 226 runs, behind Virat Kohli (361) and Faf du Plessis (232).

Kolkata: Veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has not given up on his T20 World Cup 2024 dream despite his age being not on his side. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter, who will be turning 39 in June, has been in phenomenal form in the ongoing IPL 2024 and stated he would do ‘everything he can to be in that flight’ to the USA and West Indies, hosts of the mega extravaganza. Karthik’s last appearance for India was also during the T20 World Cup two years ago in Australia where the Men in Blue exited in the semifinals after being hammered by eventual champions England.

Since then, Karthik has established himself as one of the most-sought on-field cricket experts with his pin-point match analysis and also got involved in commentary stints. Taking everyone by surprise, Karthik took his batting to a new level and displayed some astonishing power-hitting to strike at a rate of 205-plus in IPL 2024. He is also the third leading run-getter for RCB with 226 runs, behind Virat Kohli (361) and skipper Faf du Plessis (232).

“At this stage in my life, it would be the greatest feeling for me to represent India. I’m very, very keen to do so. There is nothing bigger in my life other than representing India in this T20 World Cup,” the RCB wicketkeeper-batters said ahead of clash against KKR.

With Karthik emerging a strong contender for the wicketkeeper’s slot, the selectors will certainly have a headache as India can take only two ‘keepers at most. While Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals) proved no accident can actually stop him, the likes of Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals), Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians), KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants) are also in the fray.

The RCB keeper also stated that he will respect whatever decisions head coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar decide. “I also feel there are three very, very stable, honest people who are at the helm to decide what should be the best Indian team for the World Cup — Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar.

“And I’m completely with them. I respect any decision that they take. But all I can say is I’m 100 per cent ready, and I’ll do everything I can to be on that flight to the World Cup,” he added.