Shah Rukh Khan | Shubman Gill |
Shah Rukh Khan. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.

Dinesh Karthik, the India wicketkeeper-batsman, turned 33 on Friday (June 1) and as expected wishes poured in from all quarters. So much so, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan also followed suit, wishing his ‘captain’ on his special day.

Karthik did a phenomenal job as Knight Riders leader in the just-concluded season eleven of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Not many had given the Knight Riders a big chance to make a big mark this season let alone progressing far. The team had a new captain at the helm, comprised of several young and inexperienced players and had lost their pacer Mitchell Starc even before the start of the season.

However, nothing affected Karthik’s morale as he led the team brilliantly to make it to the playoffs stage.

Dinesh Karthik IPL 2018
Credits: BCCI

The two-time IPL champions fought against all the odds and exceeded expectations to make it to the playoffs following the third spot in league fixtures.

In the playoffs, they beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator before losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the second Qualifier. Karthik had led the team from the front. The Tamil Nadu-based star looked in stunning form throughout. He finished the season with 498 runs at an average of almost 50 and a strike-rate of over 147.

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Dinesh Karthik Mumbai Indians Kolkata Knight Riders
Credits: BCCI

And it looks like Karthik’s leadership skills, as well as his character, has impressed Shah Rukh Khan a lot.

The Bollywood superstar left a brilliant heartfelt message for Dinesh Karthik.

“Wishing my Captain @DineshKarthik the happiest of Birthday. Not because it is customary to do so, but because nobody else deserves it more. We have such Few Good Men left…so need to celebrate them. Love u man. Be healthy & happy,” Bollywood sensation tweeted.

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