“I am really happy at the moment. I was waiting for this day for sometime now. It means a lot to me,” Karthik told IANS from Mumbai.

Karthik, whose last of 52 ODIs was against Sri Lanka in 2010, has been in great form for the Mumbai Indians. He has scored 331 runs, including two half-centuries, from 10 matches with a highest score of 86.

Karthik, who turns 28 next month, however, feels IPL was not the sole reason behind his selection. He also had an impressive first class season. Karthik scored 577 runs from eight Ranji Trophy matches at an average of 64 and his highest was 187.

“I would like to believe that my performances in domestic tournaments also played a part. I have been able to carry my good from into the IPL,” he said.

“I have always been confident in my batting ability. Besides that, I am a decent fielder. So, I look forward to doing well in any format. Nobody can replace someone like Dhoni,” Karthik said.

For the time being, Karthik wants to focus on helping Mumbai Indians getting their maiden IPL title. “Just feels great to be back. For now, the focus remains on doing well for the Mumbai Indians and helping them win the IPL,” he said.u00a0