Karthik takes huge strides as opener in REDIFF

He battled heat, he battled cramps and he battled perceptions that a wicketkeeper can't make it to the team as a batsman alone.

Questions were asked whether Dinesh Karthik, also considered as a second choice 'keeper, could make a good reliable opener and justify his place as a batsman. But he answered his critics in style with a magnificent maiden century in the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.

"I am trying my best to become a very good opener. I have been always trying to do that. And if I keep getting runs probably also, Veeru bhai [Virender Sehwag] also began as a middle order batsman who changed into an opener. So also I want to get as many runs as possible," he said.

The young Tamil Nadu batsman played a major role along with fellow opener Wasim Jaffer as they scored centuries each, 129 and 138 respectively, to help India amass a huge 610 for 3 declared in their first innings.

Karthik, 21, had retired on 82 on the opening day after suffering from cramps caused by the extreme heat in Dhaka.

"It was tough because conditions were really hard and I was running a bit of a temperature. Probably I could feel the cramps in my hamstring. But I told myself to keep playing as I was very close to my hundred. It is important as it is my first hundred and I am happy about it," he said.

He also credited the support staff for helping the team to be in top shape even in such trying conditions.

"You can see a lot of work is being done backstage. Generally these guys never get publicity. We are given ice bath and they constantly keep giving us some replacement, nutrients etc so that we can carry on with the game," he said.

Karthik added that he is working on improving on as an opener in terms of his technique.

"I try to be as consistent as possible. And that can be done if I work a lot on my batting in terms of footwork, in terms of mindset. And I am always trying to do that. And very important I am trying to transform my batting from one day cricket to Test cricket. And that is very important. I am happy at the way things are going on," he said.

He described the new role of opening the batting for India as a new challenge, but one that he has tried at domestic level too.

"I have been opening in club cricket, couple of Ranji Trophy games, I always work on my batting, I want to give myself a lot of challenge," the youngster said.

Karthik also thanked his newly-wed wife Nikita, who has been with him through the tour.

"I would like to dedicate this century to my famly, my wife for supporting me. I am having fever. My wife stayed awake in the night and looked after me. It's a nice feeling. It's nice to have the family around," he said.