Dhoni topper at varsity where I am studying: DK
CHENNAI: Dinesh Karthik has become the toast of the nation with his 8-ball 29 against Bangladesh in the tri-series final but he still feels like a “student in a University where Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a topper”, when it comes to being a finisher.
“When it comes to Dhoni -- I am studying in a university where he is the topper. He is one of the guys I have always looked up to. It is unfair to compare me with him,” Karthik told mediapersons during an interaction, here today.
Interestingly, Karthik made his international debut in September 2004 during Champions Trophy in England, three months before Dhoni’s debut against Bangladesh in a bilateral series in December.
In the next 14 years, Dhoni became India’s most successful captain and one of its greatest limited-overs players while Karthik struggled in the fringes, waiting for his chances.
“His (Dhoni) journey has been totally different and my journey is a different one. He is a terrific guy. He is somebody who used to be reserved, shy. Today, he is a person who is really vocal in helping the youngsters. I feel these comparisons are very unfair. As I said, he is probably a topper in a university, where I am studying. I am just happy in the space I am in,” Karthik said.
Having been around for a decade and a half, Karthik is finally enjoying his time in the spotlight, something he has so richly deserved. He attributes it to his good karma and divine intervention.
“It feels good that all the attention is on me. All the good karma and good things I have done over the years helped me hit that six. It is just that the shot went for a six... probably the
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Abhishek Nayar has been the most important factor in the last two and half years in my career. He has helped me prepare for games
DINESH KARTHIK, on his success
two mm extra that it went for it to become a six.”
The feeling is yet to sink in and Karthik admitted it.
“It is hard for me to put in words. I am just happy to play this sport. When you play domestic cricket, it is a hard grind. To suddenly get so much attention feels so good but you also know that you want this to be a start of something special,” he added. Karthik also said the time spent with Mumbai cricketer Abhishek Nayar over the years had helped him strengthen the mental aspect of his game. “He (Abhishek Nayar) has been the most important factor in the last two and half years in my career. He has helped me prepare for games. He has made me think in terms of strategy. He also knows what is the right way to work hard. He has been the river and I have been the boat,” he added. Karthik also defended rookie Vijay Shankar who struggled against Mustafizur Rahaman.