Dinesh enjoying his role as batsman in ODIs

Cuttack, Jan 25 (UNI) Tamil Nadu stumper Dinesh Karthik is enjoying his stint as a batsman in Team India and hopes to continue the good work in the coming ODIs.

Talking to the media at the end of the match here last night, Karthik said, ''I am a keeper. But I have been taken in as a batsman and when I am selected as a batsman I try to play like one and try to give my best. I don't think a lot as it hampers the batting. Just go in and bat.'' ''It doesn't matter whether I am in the team as a batsman or a bowler. The team needs to win and keep the winning combination going. I am happy that the team won today. I am gaining confidence with every match,'' Karthik added, savouring his moment under the sun.

He is also looking forward to playing in Chennai. ''Its my home ground and I am looking forward to playing over there.'' Asked about the batting conditions here, he said, ''It was tough.

When I got in there it was 35 for three. Sachin (Tendulkar) and (Sourav) Ganguly were back in the pavillion and I knew I had to play with my partners. I am happy I was able to do it.'' ''It was a difficult wicket to play on. It becomes easy when you read the pace of the pitch. But then the odd ball rises or stops short. You feel the ball is doing something all the time,'' he added.

''I also decided not to play on the rise shots. First I wanted to get set and then play the shots,'' he said.

''The South African tour has given me a lot of confidence. You always take heart if you do well abroad. That confidence is in me now. I just thought of batting and keep going. I would like to be consistent with my bat,'' he added oozing confidence.

UNI