I am studying in a university in which MS Dhoni is the topper: Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik has grabbed eyeballs with his quickfire 29 from just eight balls in India’s Nidahas Trophy final win. However, he still feels like a student where Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the topper when it comes to finishing games in style.

“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 said.

Meanwhile, Karthik made his international debut in September 2004, three months before Dhoni.

However, thereafter, in the next 14 years, Dhoni became India’s most successful captain and one of its greatest limited overs exponent while Karthik struggled in the fringes, waiting for his chances.

I’ve always looked up to him:

Speaking about the comparison with Dhoni, Karthik admitted that it will be unfair to compare. Further, he added that he has always looked up to him.

“So it is unfair for me to be compared with him. I’ve started my journey. It (final heroics) has given me a new wind of hope. His journey has been totally different. I’ve always been an understudy. I’ve always looked up to him. Today he is helping out the youngsters. The way he has gone on from strength to strength is for people to see and learn,” Karthik added.

Karthik is now enjoying his under spotlight after being so long in and around the team. He attributes it to his good karma and divine intervention.

I’m indebted to Abhishek Nayar:

Talking about his partnership with Abhishek Nayar, Karthik said that he has made him calm and mentally stronger. Also, Karthik revealed that Nayar made him do things in which he was uncomfortable.

“He has been the river and I’ve been the boat. I’ve just gone along in whatever path he gave me. He has made me do things that I’m not comfortable doing. He has helped me prepare for games, made me think better in terms of strategy. It is hard to put in words how indebted I’m to him. He made sure that I didn’t make the mistakes he did,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik is now gearing up for his new role as Kolkata Knight Riders skipper. He believes captaincy has come to him at the perfect time.

“It has come at the right stage. I want to embrace this challenge. Being the captain of a team that has a solid fan base is an incredible feeling. I spoke to coach Jacques Kallis. He is someone who speaks very little. But whatever he says will have a lot of meaning to it. Our strength is our bowling attack. We have good experience in the batting department and I’m looking forward to it,” Karthik concluded.

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