Revitalised Dinesh Karthik looking forward to IPL auction

NEW DELHI: Dinesh Karthik's current form makes him a hot buy at the IPL auction on Monday and the revitalised wicket-keeper batsman says he would prefer to be part of a winning team rather than being paid the big bucks in an unsuccessful campaign like the one he endured last season.

Having gone through highs and lows of the last two editions, Karthik goes into auction at the back of a solid Ranji Trophy season, promising more for the quarterfinals beginning Tuesday.

Used to being in and out of the Indian team, the Tamil Nadu player knows the importance of runs in the ongoing domestic season and the upcoming IPL with MS Dhoni's sudden retirement from Test throwing him back into the national reckoning.

"IPL is still sometime away but I hope to be part of a successful team, something I missed badly last season despite having such a talented squad at the Delhi Daredevils. It was really disappointing. For now, the focus is on helping Tamil Nadu win Ranji Trophy and if I keep performing the way I am right now, I know a national recall is not far away," Karthik told PTI today.

With no wicket-keeper able to establish himself in the Indian Test side, does he fancy his chances after Dhoni's departure?

"It (playing for India again) is something I am really looking forward to. As a player it (Dhoni's retirement) is great opening for me. If I have a good IPL, combined with my showing in Ranji Trophy, there is no reason why I can't make a comeback again," said the Chennai-based cricketer.

Karthik, bought for an unexpected Rs. 12.5 crore, was one of the 13 players released by Daredevils, who finished last in IPL-7. A season before, he was part of title-winning Mumbai Indians squad.