I remain relevant, good or bad but people still talk about me: Dinesh Karthik

Fifteen years after making his international debut and being in and out of Indian team, Dinesh Karthik remains a topic of discussion and refore, "relevant", in his own words.

After World Cup squad was anunced on April 15, 33-year-old was subject of an intense debate with many even questioning his selection over highly-talented Rishabh Pant.

Chief selector MSK Prasad tried to settle debate by saying that reserve keeper Karthik was picked for his better skills behind stumps but even that did t cut it with Pant's supporters which included likes of Ricky Ponting.

"I would t still be playing if it was t for blessings of my friends and family. Good or bad, if people still talk about you it means that you have mand to stay relevant. It is extremely satisfying that I have mand to stay relevant all se years and still trying hard to be part of team," Karthik told PTI before leaving for England.

He made his debut even before Dhoni who burst on to scene in December 2004 and rest, as y say, is history. If it was t for Dhoni, Chennai-based cricketer could have played a lot more than 26 Tests and 91 ODIs, but he has never had any qualms in accepting that he was replaced by a special player.

Since he could t replace Dhoni behind stumps, he had to add ar dimension to his game as a specialist batsman to keep his spot in team since Champions Trophy in 2017. And he did that by emerging as finisher manment was looking for, with his most memorable kck coming in Nidahas Trophy final last year when he won India trophy with a six off last ball.

However, re were doubts over his World Cup spot as he was dropped from ODI series against Australia, India's last before World Cup.

"I was a bit shocked (after t being picked for Australia series) but I had faith that you kw if it is meant to be it is meant to be. In end, I was picked for my performances over last two years.

"I have batted in various positions (over last 24 months) and I have had decent success in those positions. But key is t for me to look back at last two years, greatest tournament is going to happen and I w have opportunity to play re.

"It doesn't matter what word is going around. What is important to me is that I have got an opportunity and re are people who believe in me and have faith in me, I need to go out re  and stand up for my country," he said.

In an up and down career, Karthik has experienced highs and lows, wher it was being part of India's disastrous run in 2007 World Cup or World T20 triumph in South Africa months later. Karthik, who was n in his early 20s, vividly remembers those contrasting campaigns.

"We played two World Cups in 2007. We were very successful in T20 format and one World Cup where things did t go as per plan. Leading up to it (ODI World Cup), we were playing some really good cricket. format was such that we got to play three games and we had one bad game against Bangladesh and that really hurt us.

"After that game, it was like playing a three-match bilateral series. You had to win next two matches and re was so much pressure. That is thing about World Cup.

"But T2O that followed was a breath of fresh air. format was new. With Dhoni leading side so well, it was a great tournament to be part of."

Fast forward to 2019, and he is one of oldest members in squad and someone who loves spending time with youngsters, especially K L Rahul and Hardik Pandya.

"Those two names matter a lot to me. I am very close to m in this Indian team. If eir of m was t re in team I would have been very sad. At end of day, you do make close friends as you go along in journey."

For his current run in Indian team, Karthik is quick to give all credit to friend and mentor, Abhishek Nayar.

"He is single biggest factor in me being part of this World Cup team," he added.