Recalled to the Indian ODI team after nearly three years following his superb display in the ongoing Indian Premier League, Dinesh Karthik is keen to repay the selectors' faith in his abilities with a good performance in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in England.
"I am very happy. It's something I have been looking forward to for a long time and to come back into the Indian team is something very special to me," Karthik said after the national selectors chose the Indian team here today for the June 6-23 tournament.
"I always knew I had a chance because I had a good season. People who are selecting the team have shown faith in me and if is important for me to repay the faith with good performance," said the 27-year-old Chennai-born player who will be the second wicketkeeper in the 15-strong squad after skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Karthik, who last played for India in the tri-series in Sri Lanka in August, 2010, is ready to play as a pure batsman in the team.
"With Dhoni around I am not looking to be a wicketkeeper batsman. Obviously my chances are more as a (pure) batsman. And whenever I am given an opportunity I am confident I can do as well as I can," said Karthik who has played 52 ODIs for India since making his debut against England at Lord's in September 2004.
