Youngsters are very excited to play for India: Dinesh Karthik

Cuttack (Odisha) [India], December 19 (ANI): Indian batsman Dinesh Karthik on Tuesday lauded the young players for grabbing opportunities and are excited to play for India.

Addressing a press conference, Karthik said, "It's a great opportunity for the young boys to come in and play for us. This is the first time and a very long time, the youngsters are playing in the team."

Karthik also thanked the Indian selectors for giving them the opportunity to play for India.

"These are very exciting times for them (youngsters). Lots of guys are having Indian Premier League (IPL) experience and seniors are there to guide them. The youngsters are confident to play at the international level", added Karthik.

On being asked about the constant experimenting of the team squad, Karthik explained, "That is the selectors' decision. We are trying out new players and assessing them that how they would react to a situation, whether it's ODIs or T20s. This (T20 series) is also a platform for the young guys to go out and show their talent."

The Right-handed batsman also clarified that he would be batting at No 4 position in the limited-overs format. But, if required, depending upon the situation of the match, he would be ready to bat anywhere down the middle order.

Asked about Basil Thampi, who is included in the squad, Karthik said, "Basil is a very good bowler. He is someone who bowls yorkers consistently. He is also very good in bowling slow balls and occassionally bowls the knuckle ball. He has all the ingredients for any T20 match."

India won both the Test series 1-0 and the ODI series 2-1 against Sri Lanka. They will play the first T20 international match at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack tomorrow.

Rohit Sharma will once again captain the T20 side, in Virat Kohli's absence.

India will be looking to win the T20 series as well, as a confidence booster, ahead of their tough South Africa tour in January. (ANI)