Dinesh Kaarthick, the name is spelt this way for numerological reasons, comes across as typical of the confident new breed of young Indians.
Spunky and somewhat sassy, Kaarthick is ready to take on the world. And Australia.
On the way to catch a flight to Mumbai, Kaarthick says the experience of keeping to Kumble and Harbhajan in England will stand him in good stead. Excerpts from an interview.
Q: How different is the feeling at being called up for Tests and one-dayers?
A: The feeling of the call-up is the same but obviously it feels great to be called up for the Test squad. Everyone wants to be in the Test team — that's what we play cricket for. Playing Test cricket is the ultimate thing.
Q: Are you nervous about the Mumbai Test — every action of Parthiv Patel has been dissected by an aggressive jury?
A: Honestly, I'm not thinking too much about that. I'm just trying to concentrate 100 per cent on the cricket and the match ahead and do my best for my country. I'm really not bothered about whether the whole world is watching or not. I have to do my own thing and give my best.