It will be a new challenge for a young Indian team, led by
Virat Kohli, as they start Asia Cup campaign with their first ODI against hosts
Bangladesh here Wednesday.
Sans Mahendra Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, the
young Indian team will be looking to come back to winning ways after suffering
ODI series loss in South Africa and New Zealand. All the three players were
medmbers of the team that played the last Asia Cup here.
While Yuvraj and Raina have been dropped for their poor
performance, Dhoni was ruled out with a side strain.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who has replaced Dhoni,
Tuesday said only players who were on the touring party to South Africa and New
Zealand can say why the team lost the series.
"Actually, you should have asked this question to
somebody who was part of these eight ODIs," he said after the team's
practice session at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium at Mirpur.
Karthik, however, feels that as an outsider he will bring
some freshness to the side."From an outsider point of view, I'm coming
into this team fresh. As an individual I can talk of my perspective and say
that for me it's going to be exciting. I'm sure it's the same for all the
players. But somebody who has played those eight games will answer this
question much better," he said.
Karthik, 28, who has featured in 67 ODIs, said he was not
bothered with a last minute call-up to the national team."I got to know
about three-four days back, I guess I'm used to it now being called so many
times. It doesn't play on my mind too much," he said.
Karthik said it was important for him to get into the zone
before the match."For me it's about coming out here... It's important to
get into the zone just before the game. Obviously as a player I'm very excited
to be a part of this Indian cricket team. It's one of the best teams available.
For me, it's an honour to represent India and do the best that I can," he
said.
