'The hero of Nidahasa Trophy turns 38' - Fans react as veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik celebrates his birthday

Dinesh Karthik (Source: Twitter)

Dinesh Karthik, the Indian team and Royal Challengers Bangalore wicketkeeper has turned 38 today, and despite a dismal season in the Indian Premier League, he is set to be seen in the Test Championship final between India and Australia, but in the commentary box.  

He played in India's first T20I against South Africa in 2006 and made his debut for his country against England during a one-day international in September 2004. Until MS Dhoni made his debut during an international encounter in 2004, he had served as the squad's first-choice keeper in Test cricket. The right-handed batter lost his place in the team as Dhoni acquired ground and eventually was named captain in 2007. Karthik was a member of the team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup by defeating Pakistan in the final match of the tournament.

The veteran made his first return to Test cricket since 2010 during the one-off Test versus Afghanistan in June 2018. The batsman, who was born in Tamil Nadu, was chosen for the position of keeper for the 2018 England Test tour. Karthik, though, lost popularity after recording four straight single-figure performances in two Test matches in England. There was no turning back for Karthik into the Test squad after Rishabh Pant solidified his place.

Karthik was often in and out of the Indian team and his form during that period of time used to determine his selection in the squad. He is considered to be one of the most unlucky players to have played for India since he didn’t get a lot of backing from the board as well as the team management. 

Dinesh Karthik's resurgence as a player

After the IPL 2022, when he scored 330 runs in 16 games with a strike rate of 183.33, Karthik was called up for both the T20I team and the 20-20 World Cup 2022. The veteran, however, was unable to contribute as planned, and India lost in the competition’s semifinal stage. He only scored 14 runs in four games, striking out at a 63.64 average, and was later cut from the team. 

He was a member of the commentary team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2022–2023. The commentary crew for the England-Australia Ashes series in 2023 will also include the keeper-batter.

Fans react as veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik celebrates his birthday: -

Happy birthday, Dinesh Karthik!

One of the finest wicketkeeper batters from India. The hero of Nidahas Trophy, the finisher of RCB, 2022 was one of his best ever in the IPL. A Commentator as well now! pic.twitter.com/qgKhfl8zrN

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 1, 2023

Same here many many happy return of the day to one of the best wicket keeper batter from India. Both RCB and India can never forget his great services for the nation and the franchise.

Finisher Indeed

— KhabriBhai (@RealKhabriBhai) June 1, 2023

Finisher of RCB Topper

— CricAdda x 247 (@Cricadd247) June 1, 2023

DK's comeback in the Indian side last year should serve as an inspiration for others to not stop believing ..

— movieman (@movieman777) June 1, 2023

Best Finisher of RCB in 2023 season

He finished RCB 😭😭

— Cricket Crazy (@CrazyinCricket) June 1, 2023

Part time cricketer
Full time commentator 🌝

— 𝗺 𝗮 𝗵 𝗲 𝘀 𝗵 ❤️ (@suprVK) June 1, 2023

Yeah he finished RCB this season

— IVAR (@Charankumarchai) June 1, 2023

The Finisher of RCB, indeed🌚

— ICT devotee (@Aatmanirbharboi) June 1, 2023

Next in line for CSK redemption program 2024 should Dhoni retires but i am unsure if the redemption program will continue if Dhoni goes

— Abhisek@2816 (@AbhisekBChoudh2) June 1, 2023

In IPL his best was with MI he was in its peak form, KKR good captain but RCB !!

— Ragu|ˢᵒᵒʳᵃʳᵃⁱ ᴾᵒᵗᵗʳᵘ (@Ragu86535577) June 1, 2023

Better RCB player than VIRAT

— LOYAL CSK FAN (@cskfanforlife) June 1, 2023

The finisher of rcb😭.
Yes single handedly finished our hope to reach playoffs

— Pratyush Tripathy (@tpratyush18) June 1, 2023