When Dinesh Karthik was Left Frustrated with Rohit Sharma's Captaincy

We fondly remember Mohammad Kaif for his famous knock of 87* in the Natwest Trophy final. Similarly, Dinesh Karthik might well be known for his heroics in the Nidahas Trophy final.

Karthik had rescued India from the troubled waters when he scored a quickfire 29* off just eight balls to help India win the Nidahas trophy. However, there is one behind the scene story that is still unknown.

Dinesh Karthik pulled the team from the jaws of defeat.

Meanwhile, it is known of the fact that Dinesh Karthik was not impressed with Rohit Sharma for pushing him down the batting order.

In fact, the match was running away from India, as Vijay Shankar failed to find his timing.

However, Dinesh was able to hit the ground running with his strokeplay and played one of the best cameos in the history of the shortest format.

Rohit Sharma said while talking to Vikram Sathaye in latter’s show, What the Duck. Rohit said,

“Dinesh wasn’t happy with his batting position in the final match. Considering his previous performances on that tour and even before that on the South African tour, his form was good. He had played a couple of cameos which were crucial for us. Thus, he was expecting to bat at the higher batting position but he wasn’t getting his opportunities”.

Sharma further added he pushed Dinesh down the batting order, as he wanted an experienced batsman in the fag end of the innings.

Consequently, Rohit sent Vijay Shankar at the number five position. Rohit wanted Dinesh to take on Bangladesh experienced duo of Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hussain in death overs.

The Indian limited overs deputy went on add, “I sent Vijay Shankar to bat at number five position as I wanted an experienced player to bat down the order. Bangladesh had two experienced bowlers in Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman. Thus, I wanted Dinesh to take them on in the final overs. When I got out and I came into the dressing, Dinesh was staring at me angrily”.

Luckily, Rohit’s move turned out to be successful.

Rohit added, “I asked Dinesh that it is okay, it would be better that you go in the end and finish the game off. Still, he was very angry at me. So I thought that I should leave the dressing room so that it doesn’t impact his mood”.

Dinesh Karthik then played a fine cameo to take India over the line. The right-hander scored 22 runs of the penultimate over which was bowled by Rubel Hossain.

Karthik also scored a six off the final ball when five runs were needed. It was definitely a masterclass from the Tamil Nadu flamboyant batsman.

Fortunately, Rohit’s move turned out to be, as Dinesh Karthik just got India over the line.