Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik tells espnstar.com that he is hopeful of making it to the national team as a batsman.

By Garima Verma

Karthik admitted that having a wicketkeeper-batsman in skipper MS Dhoni made it a comparatively tougher for the likes of him to cement their place in the side. But he was hopeful of making it to the national team as a batsman.

"I have played enough matches for India as a wicketkeeper and also performed well to be considered for that spot as well. But any spot in the Indian side is fine with me. If not a wicketkeeper, then as a batsman. I just look to keep giving consistent performance and play as many games for India as possible," he said.

Karthik, who lost his spot in the national side after a dismal performance in Bangladesh, staked his claim for another chance when he led from the front, hitting an unbeaten 161 to take South Zone to 356 for six on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final against West Zone at Hyderabad on Tuesday.

His side was dealt some early blows by the West Zone bowling attack, led by Irfan Pathan, but skipper Karthik hit an impressive century to get his side back in contention.

Karthik failed to make most of the opportunity that came his way during the recent Bangladesh tour. Given a chance in the first Test in the absence of regular keeper-skipper MS Dhoni, Karthik got out on a duck in the first innings and lost his wicket in an irresponsible fashion in the second innings.

"This Bangladesh tour didn't turn out to be as good for me as the earlier one," he said, adding, "Bangladesh have become a very good side. They are a young bunch, having a remarkable fighting spirit."

Meanwhile, Karthik feels that the absence of Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh and Sreesanth is a perfect opportunity for the youngsters to show their mettle.

Although India might be going into the two-Test series against South Africa sans their two star batsmen and a leading bowler, wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik is sure that the home side will have an upper-hand.

"India will be playing at home and that itself will be a very big advantage," Karthik said, who lost his spot in the squad for the first Test to Bengal wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha.

"Even as India are missing the likes of Dravid and Yuvraj, the youngsters in the side should take this as a brilliant chance to prove themselves."