Dinesh Karthik recalled his early career rivalry with MS Dhoni on the RCB podcast ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Karthik expressed his feelings about being replaced by Dhoni in all formats of cricket.
“I made my debut before him. We went together on an India A tour and from there I got picked for the Indian team. That was the first time I played a match together with him,” he said.
Karthik made his Team India debut three months before Dhoni’s debut in 2004, following a stellar performance in India A matches. Karthik made his first ODI appearance in September and his first Test appearance in November of the same year. Dhoni was named to the team in December.
“I did so well that they picked me for the Indian team. From there, they went on another trip, there was an ODI tournament where he just blasted it there with boundaries and sixes. People stood up and said there is nobody like him. They said he’s a special player,” he added.
Karthik discussed how Dhoni replaced him in all formats of cricket and the importance of seizing opportunities.
“Obviously, I came to the Indian team, but by then the Dhoni mania was so big that you had to pick him. He then replaced me in all formats and he did very well. At the end of the day, it is all about taking opportunities,” Karthik expressed.
