Ranji Trophy 2019-20 | Love giving my best for Tamil Nadu, says Dinesh Karthik

Walking in at 106 for three on a wicket that increasingly assisted the bowlers, Karthik batted through till the end of the innings, defying the odds. When he was eventually dismissed as the last man, Tamil Nadu had got to within 29 runs of Karnataka’s first innings score. From there on, Ashwin led the fightback to bowl their neighbours out for 151 to set up a target of 181 for victory. 

“I like to give my best for Tamil Nadu. It’s great being a part of this group. I like being in the journey with the State side. It’s been a great ride,” Karthik said, reported Sportstar.

The 34-year-old conceded he was a touch disappointed that his hundred was not enough to take his side past Karnataka’s first-innings total, but credited some fine bowling from Krishnappa Gowtham and Ronit More. 

“Gowtham bowled long spells and was getting the ball to drift and it was a nice duel with him. Ronit is a good bowler; he can be sharp, moves the ball. Some of the tailenders could have played better shots. But they are young and they will learn,” Karthik said.

He further opened up about his decision to give up captaincy in red-ball cricket, with Vijay Shankar named as his replacement. 

“We have youngsters like Vijay Shankar and B. Aparajith who should be given the opportunity to lead the side when the seniors are still around them. They will learn a lot. It will be a part of their development,” Karthik added.