One such case was on Friday night when he hit a six and a four to seal the game for India after nine runs were needed off the last six balls.
When asked about his process, the designated finisher in the team said that creating scenarios in the nets helps him perform in the middle.
“From a time, I have been practicing for it, I am doing it now for RCB and I am happy to do it here. So it is a regular routine for some time.
“I do a lot of scenario drills and Rahul (Dravid) bhai and Vikram (Rathore) bhai are also adjusting how I want to practice, what type of shots I want to practice.
“I’ve been very specific with it. I don’t practice a lot but I want to keep it as specific as possible,” Karthik said after India leveled the series against Australia.
In the first game, Karthik came to bat after Axar Patel while on Friday he was sent ahead of the left-arm spinner.
“I think this is something that we are trying, there are times when there may be few overs where an Axar Patel can target a spinner and take them.
“So there’s that kind of logic at that point and bowling left arm and leg spinner is a good matchup. So we try to use that option sometimes.
“So that’s one of the reasons why we try and play it depends on how the game is going at that point of time,” the 37-year-old said.
Karthik played ahead of Rishabh Pant in the opener but a short game allowed the management to accommodate both in the playing XI for the second T20I.
“Today we needed four bowlers to finish eight overs because each bowled two but we actually had five options. So when you have five options, there is a world-class all-rounder in Hardik Pandya,” Karthik said. It’s a luxury to have.”
“When Hardik Pandya is in 11, 11 becomes very well balanced, an extra batsman or extra bowler can play, that’s the luxury you have and that’s what makes him so special.”
The wicket-keeper batsman heaped praise on his captain Rohit Sharma, who scored an unbeaten 46 off 20 balls in the run chase. The game was reduced to a side contest for 8 overs due to a wet outfield.
“Brilliant batting from Rohit Sharma. On that pitch, it is not easy to play such shots against new ball bowlers. It shows that he is such a great player not only in Indian cricket but in world cricket as well.
“His ability to bowl fast is second to none in his world and that is what makes him really special as a batsman,” he added.
While Pandya has been in sensational form since his return from injury, Axar too has slipped into the role of a spin all-rounder after joining the side in place of injured Ravindra Jadeja.
Karthik said, “There are very few players like him (Pandya) who are capable of balancing the team and that’s where I think India is blessed and Touchwood is there. If he does well then it’s always good for Indian cricket. ”
“I think Axar Patel is also coming well with the bat at different times, it will help India as it helps in the balance of the team.
“Everyone is aware of Rishabh Pant’s quality as a batsman. He would have been very useful in this game. Yes, he couldn’t come back till the end but we all know what qualities he brings to the table. So I guess That I think India definitely made the right choice by playing the role of Rishabh.”
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