> Kaarthick ready for Dhoni challenge

Comeback man Dinesh Kaarthick thinks that current India stumper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's performance has raised the bar for wicketkeepers in the country.

"There is little doubt that Dhoni has set new standards for wicketkeeper-batsmen in India. He hits so powerfully that he can clear any ground in the world. He has definitely been a major asset for the Indian team," said Kaarthick, the reserve gloveman in the Indian squad touring South Africa.

However, the Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper said his technique would stand him in good stead in the tough tour of South Africa.

"My seniors have praised me for my technique and that is a boost. I think on wickets such as the one you have in South Africa, you need technique to survive and score runs. Technique would matter a lot," said Kaarthick.

He emphatically denied that the flamboyance of Dhoni has put any pressure on his batting. "I don't think his flamboyance has put any pressure on me. He bats in his own way and I bat in my way. I can only do well if I bat in my own style and similarly he would do well if he follows his methods."

Kaarthick admitted that he was hurt after his omission from the Indian squad after Dhoni's rise two years back. The Tamil 'keeper managed to keep his spot in the Test team for a while, only to concede it to Dhoni later.

"It was tough. It was difficult for me to mentally accept the fact. But it then inspired me to look at areas where I can improve. And I am a better wicketkeeper and batsman now than what I was a couple of years ago."

Kaarthick said he focussed on being consistent in batting at the domestic level to force his comeback to the Indian team. "When I spoke to the seniors, they said I needed to score consistently in domestic cricket and that's exactly what I did. I scored runs in most domestic competitions as well as when I toured Abu Dhabi with the India 'A' squad.

But I feel my performance in the Challenger Trophy this year really helped my cause." Kaarthick wants to have realistic targets on the present tour.

"I was among the three best wicketkeepers of the country and now I have broken into the top two brackets. I will take it from him.

I would do whatever the team management expects me to do on this tour. Rahul (Dravid) 'bhai' and Greggie (Greg Chappell) have told to me to bat well and that's what I intend to do on this trip."