Dinesh Karthik (DK) is in form of his life and would be raring to roar against the Proteas in this tough competition. His back-to-back centuries, which was played under pressure, has sealed his berth for middle-order as per MS Dhoni who believes that, “DK is a special one for Indian team and it’s going to be interesting to see at which position he will bat.”
Meanwhile the reports in Indian Express quoted Dhoni saying, "He is really in good touch and I am impressed the way he has batted in the middle order. He read the game very well and runs very well. Technically sound, he has all the right talent and personally I feel he is good to be in the side.”
Karthik showed some brilliant batting against Aussie pace attack and started to come down the pitch to cut the swing which is something only best in the business can do. He played an impeccable knock of 146 runs, which was a blend of composure and ruthless attack.
Against the Proteas, Karthik may bat as high as No. 4, a slot usually 'reserved' for Rohit Sharma. Dhoni added “After back-to-back comprehensive wins in the warm-up games against Sri Lanka and Australia, boys are really upbeat for the inaugural match of Champions Trophy 2013.”
Indian Skipper was quoted by DNA saying, “Team combination is something you will get to know half an hour before the match as of now it is a "top secret".” But he did gave a bit of hint by saying "I always believe in specialists. You have to bat in a certain position and I don't like to tamper with slots.”
Captain Cool has a lot of faith on the Indian opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay. He expressed by saying, "Well, we need to see their (overall) performance and not get worried. I don't think it's ideal to speculate saying whether they will do well or not do well. I think let them go onto the field and let them perform or not perform. We will take it from there.”
Meanwhile, the reports in Deccan Chronicle quoted him saying, “India's unbeaten record against South African in the Champions Trophy will have little significance. Moreover, I wasn't aware of the stats, but as I always say, it will be a fresh start and we will have to do all the right things all over again."