Dinesh Karthik-WTC Final (Photo Credit:Sky Sports)
Dinesh Karthik-WTC Final (Photo Credit:Sky Sports)

Senior India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has adjusted almost seamlessly into his new role as a commentator. The wicketkeeper hasn’t retired though from international cricket, and wishes to “break that stereotype” where Indian cricketers take up commentary only after retirement.

Dinesh Karthik has been brilliant in his short commentary stint so far, which began with the WTC final last month between India and New Zealand, and continued in the England-Sri Lanka white-ball matches.

He has impressed all with his sharp in-depth analysis of the game, cheeky banter with fellow commentators, and his attractive apparel has received affection from the fans on social media.

Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik. (Photo: Twitter)

The 36-year-old points out that not only in other sports but overseas cricketers as well – English and Australian – do part-time commentary even before they have retired. He wants to make that a normal thing amongst Indian cricketers too.

“There are a lot of other sports like basketball and football where current players come on air when they are not playing,” Dinesh Karthik was quoted as saying by India Today.

“Even now during the Sri Lanka-England T20s, James Anderson was doing it for BBC in the next room. So it is a normal thing, it is only in India I think it is considered like that (post-retirement option). I obviously want to break that stereotype to an extent and I am happy to do this when I am not playing,” he added.

A lot would depend on how the IPL goes: Dinesh Karthik

On his cricket, Dinesh Karthik was dropped from the Indian side after the 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand; he was dropped from the T20I side as well despite stats backing him up as one of the best finishers in the country.

Dinesh Karthik (Photo- Getty)
Dinesh Karthik (Photo- Getty)

The Tamil Nadu captain is now eyeing the second half of the IPL 2021, to be played in the UAE in September-October, just before the T20 World Cup, in order to make a bid to return to the national side. In the 7 matches so far this season, the former Kolkata Knight Riders captain has scored 123, averaging 30.75 while striking decently at 138.20.

“A lot would depend on how the IPL goes, so looking forward to do well for KKR and let’s see if that helps me (make the Indian team).

“Well, playing for India is always hard. You only realise (when you are outside) how tough the sport is. The stats say I have done well over a period of time. If I do well in the second half of IPL, who knows?” he further added.

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