"Life Changed When Abhishek Nayar Came Into His Life" - Dinesh Karthik’s Father Krishna Kumar Says About His Son's Comeback

Dinesh Karthik is currently playing for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. The right-handed wicketkeeper batsman made his international debut in 2004, even before the legendary MS Dhoni.

The Tamil Nadu batsman’s father had already reached Australia to watch his son play, and Karthik was practicing with the team at that time. However, he waited outside the field like other ordinary spectators. After the practice session was over, the two met at the end of the session.

Dinesh Karthik played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) and scored 330 runs in 16 games, at a staggering strike rate of 183.33. Until he showcased his finishing skills in the IPL, no one knew if he would ever make it to the Indian team. DK is fulfilling his dream of playing in the T20 World Cup at the age of 37.

Dinesh Karthik’s father, Krishna Kumar, calls it a “miracle” that his son made the T20 World Cup squad. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter found a mentor in Abhishek Nayar, a domestic veteran and IPL coach, and that changed his life.

Abhishek Nayar Made Him Get Up At 2am, Run Him Over Hills – Krishna Kumar

“Life changed when Abhishek Nayar came into his life,” Krishna Kumar told the Indian Express.

“He (Nayar) made him get up at 2 am in the night and made him run over the hills. He will design practice sessions for him and he travelled like a tennis player.

“A power-hitting coach RX Murali was hired. There is a team that works and talks to him. A few times, I have been part of a session where Dinesh has told me to record my conversation with Nayar. And the level of talk is hard to explain for a common man,” he added.

Nayar inspired Karthik to pursue a career as a specialist death-overs batsman. He hired his own coach, trainer, and psychologist, whom he trusted to guide him through the process. All his efforts paid off as he was selected for India’s opening game against Pakistan on Sunday.

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