Dinesh Karthik is not a new name in the Indian Cricket. In the year 2004, he debuted for India in both test and one day internationals. While in 2006 he debuted for India in T20 internationals. At the age of 32 he is one of the most experienced player in Indian cricket.
Though he was lucky to get Indian cap in both test and ODI cricket before Mahendra Singh Dhoni; Dinesh Karthik was not lucky to impress the Indian selectors with his performance. He was playing in the era which was largely dominated by Dhoni, who proved himself a better batsman and wicket keeper. Dhoni cemented his place in all three formats of cricket and progressed himself as most successful captain of Indian cricket.
Once wicket keeper spot was gone, Dinesh tried hard to maintain his spot in the team by playing as an additional batsman. During 2007, while playing as opener, Dinesh Karthik played a crucial role in series win against England. He proved his mettle on spicy pitch of England but couldn’t continue the momentum.
When M. S. Dhoni retired from test cricket in 2014, Karthik was again in spotlight. But he lost his place to Wriddhiman Saha, who was considered a better wicket keeper.
While Karthik was unable to perform consistently in international cricket, he was continuously maintained a batting average of above 40 in domestic cricket. He was one of the sought after player in IPL.
A carrier changing performance in Nidahas Trophy
Nidahas Trophy final against Bangaldesh will be remembered for long for the heroic performance of Dinesh Karthik. After scoring only one run in 18th over, India needed 34 runs in last two over. India was on the verge of losing the match. But a calm and composed Dinesh Karthik ensured India another T20 series victory. He scored 29 runs in 8 balls which include two fours and three sixes. His last ball six will be remembered for generations.
But will it ensured Dinesh Karthik a permanent spot in Indian Cricket Team?
Though Dinesh over the years has proved himself as a very good wicketkeeper and batsman, it is his inconsistency which has never allowed him a permanent spot in Indian Cricket Team. Dhoni has retired from Test. Currently Dhoni is part of both ODI and T20 and he is sure to play for 2019 world cup. But BCCI has already started looking for future wicket keeper batsman. If Kathik continues to perform regularly, he will definitely cement his spot in Indian cricket team. Otherwise he might be on and off regularly.
We at Social Chumbak wish Dinesh Karthik continue to perform with both bat & gloves and make a great mark in Indian cricket.