Photo: PTI
New Delhi: Having finished Vijay Hazare Trophy as top run-getter with 607 runs, senior pro Dinesh Karthik said that batting is his strength as he harbours dreams to don the national colour once again. "I always felt that batting is my strength. I have always enjoyed my keeping and looked to be someone who can contribute as a batsman. I have always batted at the top of the order be it for India, my state or IPL team," Karthik said after his century helped Tamil Nadu win Vijay Hazare Trophy. "I am always confident about my batting skills but what you need is to be consistent. I have always trusted my skills and played at the same tempo throughout the tournament. I have not tried to alter too much." Asked about his expectations from this year's IPL, Karthik said:"Right now, I am looking at Deodhar Trophy. IPL is a big tournament. I don't want to get there mentally right away." Questioned if he fancies a chance in the Champions Trophy, Karthik was guarded in his generic reply. "I am not going to lie. I am always dreaming to play for India. That's ultimate aim. Whenever you are playing for state, you are trying to do so well so that you can play for India." He was visibly satisfied with today's effort as this team comprises of youngsters. "My memory is weak so I don't really don't remember too many of big innings. But on a given day, it's a final, a big match, the kind of situation we were in, I came out and batted as best I could. So I am happy." Karthik thinks TNPL has helped them prepare a team for future. "TNPL has really helped us as it has thrown in new cricketers, who are confident. T Natarajan, Sai Kishore have all emerged from TNPL. Our whole team has changed from what it was last year. Hrishi (chief coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar) and Bala (bowling coach L Balaji) are doing a good job. Vijay Shankar has led really well."
