OTD, 1985: Dinesh Kartik, the Indian cricketer and commentator, was born today

In this article, we will discuss On This Day, 1985: Dinesh Kartik, the Indian cricketer and commentator, was born today. Despite having an international career. Former India wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik turned 39 today (June 1); he was born on June 1 39 years back in the year 1985. Despite having an international career overawed by the ‘MS Dhoni’ charisma, Karthik enjoyed one of the most remarkable careers in the cash-rich franchise cricket tournament, Indian Premier League for a long period of 16 years across 17 seasons of the tournament. 

The Chennai-born star made his international debut for India in September 2004 in the Lord’s ODI against England followed by his Test debut in November in the Wankhede Test against Australia and his T20I debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2006. 

An illustrious IPL career amidst an ‘overawed’ international career

As Dhoni established himself as the first-choice wicketkeeper in the national side of India, Karthik could play only 26 Tests, 94 ODIs, and 60 T20Is, getting overshadowed by the former. However, Karthik managed to impress the fans in his short but quite entertaining international career. One of the major highlights of his career includes his last-ball six to win the Nidahas Trophy for India when the team needed 5 runs off the last ball against Bangladesh.

After making his last international appearance in the T20 World Cup 2022’s last group match against Bangladesh, Karthik registered 1025 Test runs in 42 innings of 26 matches, and 1752 ODI runs in 79 innings with an average of 30.20, alongside 686 T20I runs. He scored one century and 7 half-centuries in Tests, with 9 ODI half-centuries and a half-century in T20I. 

Speaking of his wicketkeeping in international cricket, Karthik had 63 Test dismissals, including 57 catches and 6 stumpings, alongside 71 ODI dismissals (64 catches and 7 catches). He also had 38 T20I dismissals, including 30 catches and 8 stumpings. 

Looking at Karthik’s illustrious IPL career, he played 257 IPL matches, and scored 4842 runs in 234 innings with a strike rate of 135.36, hitting 22 half-centuries. 

Interestingly, Dinesh Karthik will now be seen in a different role in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 as he is a part of the elite list of commentators for the prestigious cricket biennial.