The Indian wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik, who once was omitted from the Indian team to make place for the legendary captain MS Dhoni. However, the former has spoken out in the public that he has no regrets about losing his place to the player who went on to become the finest finisher and captain.
Dinesh Karthik whose batting graph and finishing skills seem to rise upwards with his age in IPL. Further, the 36-year-old player has scored 210 runs in 7 IPL innings at an enormous 210 strike rate and produced some crucial knocks for RCB’s victory.
Here are 7 Best Innings of Dinesh Karthik
1) Nidahas Trophy Final, 2018
Everyone does remember this knock. Although, Karthik scored only 29 runs, but those runs were smashed at a crucial stage and only in 8 balls. That’s a whopping more than 360 strike rate. India was playing the Nidahas trophy final against Bangladesh under the leadership of Rohit Sharma as Virat Kohli was given rest.
India was almost ruled out of the match after losing 6 wickets and requiring 34 runs off 12 balls. But DK was standing between India’s loss or victory. He scored 6 on the last ball to win the match for India and also rejuvenate his career
2) 93 Vs Pakistan, 2005
Young Karthik could have scored his 1st international ton in 2005. However, his dominating knock against Pakistan in the 2nd test was cut short by Danish Kaneria who bowled the batter. Although, Dinesh Karthik’s 93 runs played a prominent part in India’s victory against Pakistan.
3) 86(48) Vs Delhi Capitals, 2013
Dinesh Karthik’s best IPL season was in 2013, where he accumulated over 500 runs in the season which is still his only season. Karthik was playing for Mumbai Indians and the team lost 2 wickets of Ricky Ponting & Sachin Tendulkar quickly.
Rohit Sharma & Dinesh Karthik took the charge to build a partnership. Rohit remained not out with 74 runs in his pocket and Karthik smashed 86 runs to set a giant 210 runs target in front of Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). Mumbai Indians won the match comfortably by 44 runs.
4) 79 Vs South Africa, 2010
Dinesh Karthik’s highest ODI score came against South Africa in 2010. This is the same match in which the first-ever double century of ODI cricket was scored by the God of Cricket- Sachin Tendulkar. Dinesh’s knock was crucial in the match as developed a strong partnership with Master Blaster to set the tone of the match.
5) 63 Vs West Indies, 2007
Low-scoring matches do have thrillers in them. India was playing ODI against West Indies, the match where the Indian batting order collapsed, but Dinesh Karthik raised his hand to take India to a below-par total of 189 with his heroic 63 runs in 87 balls. Indian bowlers came strong on the West Indies batters and made them face the dust. West Indies could only manage 169 runs. Dinesh was awarded the player of the match award for his under pressure knock.
6) 129 Against Bangladesh, 2007
This is Dinesh Karthik’s only international century which he scored against Bangladesh in the test match in Mirpur. He opened the innings with Wasim Jaffar and India posted a huge total of 600+ in 1st innings. India won the match by more than 200 runs.
7) 97*(50) Vs Rajasthan Royals, 2019
The value of a century is always special, yet the value of a knock that takes your team out of the deep water is magical. This defines DK’s knock against Rajasthan Royals in 2019. Kolkata were 42/3 in 8 overs and Karthik’s 97* runs took KKR to a respectable total of 175. Although, the runs weren’t enough as Rajasthan chased down the total with 4 balls left.
