Dinesh Karthik, a player always viewed as a backup option for MS Dhoni, is much more than that. Karthik is a player of immense character, passion for the game, and an out-and-out cricket nut. He is aging like fine wine. My man from Tamil Nadu is at the peak of his career even at the far end of it. He has played multiple roles for the Indian team over the years. Karthik started as a wicketkeeper-batter in 2004. He was then overshadowed by a phenomenon called MS Dhoni. Then Karthik made a comeback as a swashbuckling opening batter. Further, the next time he returned as a middle-order batter. And this time his comeback is as a finisher! Here is an in-depth look:
Dinesh Karthik went for the 2003 ODI World Cup in South Africa:
Dinesh Karthik was a part of the convoy in 2003 which went to the ODI World Cup in South Africa. He was taken as a backup-keeper option. Karthik played in the national colors even before MSD. But life has its challenges in store. Karthik accepts the fact that his career was marred by a phenomenon called MSD but also accepts the fact that every individual writes his destiny.
Karthik’s story in the true sense is one of the most inspirational ones. After getting sacked in 2004, Karthik made an astounding comeback in 2007. He was a part of the elite group of players who played in the 2007 World Cup. He was one among Dada, Dravid, Sachin, Kumble, and Sehwag. Dinesh was picked as a backup opener. Karthik back then always had a mentality, that if I cannot be the best due to circumstances, whenever the selectors look away from MSD my name should be a “no-brainer” for them.
Dinesh Karthik Played in the 2007 T20I World Cup:
Dinesh Karthik was also a part of the young brigade that played the 2007 World Cup which India won! His catch at slips while playing against South Africa is something that every cricket fan will cherish. It was a blinder.
Further, Dinesh carried on till 2009 as a part of the team. His next comeback was in the year 2013. He had an exceptional IPL for Mumbai Indians as a middle-order batter. He made sure that Mumbai wins the IPL and Champions League. Based on that, Karthik was picked for the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. With Karthik in the middle-order, India won the Champions Trophy as well!
2018 Nidahas Trophy Final and Karthik’s “Hero” Moment:
Dinesh Karthik’s “Hero” moment came when he won India the Nidahas Trophy in 2018 by hitting a last-ball six off Soumya Sarkar. The story of the match is that Dinesh was agitated because Rohit Sharma wasn’t letting him bat up the order. He walked in at number 7 and finished the game safely for India. He scored 23 runs off 8 deliveries and was the hero for India.
2021 Commentary Stint and Comeback to the Indian National Team:
In 2021 Dinesh Karthik joined Sony TV Network as a presenter and commentator. The cricket community was amazed by his command of the language and his game sense. He also added his touch of “Fashion” to being a sports presenter. But the IPL 2022 Season had much more in store for him. He played as a finisher for RCB and was Superstriker of the season scoring 200 runs+ at a strike rate of 183.33! He made a comeback to the national team but this time it was as a finisher.
To conclude I’ll say that Dinesh has his eyes set on the flight to Australia for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. And on a personal note, I do get a feeling that he will get there!
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