Dinesh Karthik has had a stellar year in the domestic season. On Monday, he steered his team to a thrilling victory in the final of Vijay Hazare trophy against Bengal at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. Karthik ended up as the top run-getter with 607 runs, which includes two hundreds and four fifties at an average of 86.71. The right-handed batsman says he loves batting and wishes to make a comeback to the national squad.

“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. “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.”

With the Indian Premier League around the corner, 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.”

So is Champions Trophy the tournament in which he will make a winning return to the squad? “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,” said Karthik.