Dinesh Karthik has taken IPL 2022 by storm with his incredible power-hitting skills in the slog overs. He scored 324 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 187.28 with one half-century. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar hailed the keeper for overcoming the setbacks he faced in his personal life and making a return to the team yet again.
Sunrisers Hyderabad pace sensation Umran Malik‘s maiden India call-up became the biggest talking point of BCCI’s squad announcement for the impending five-match T20I series against South Africa. However, it also saw the return of some notable players, who have been rewarded a place in the T20I side again on the back of an impressive season in the IPL 2022.
Shoaib Akhtar Liked Dinesh Karthik’s Return To Indian Team After A Successful IPL 2022
Shoaib Akhtar was particularly impressed with the RCB keeper’s comeback to the Indian team. Scoring 324 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 187.28 with one half-century score, the RCB batter has taken IPL 2022 by a storm with his incredible power-hitting skills in the slog overs.
“I usually avoid speaking about people’s personal lives. What I want to say here is that he had suffered some setbacks in his personal life, but he came back really well after that.
“I have followed his personal life and read quite a bit about it. And I really like how he has come back. I would say well done to him. This is what attitude is all about,” he said.
Shoaib Akhtar admitted that he has closely followed Dinesh Karthik’s career and hence was full of praise for the manner in which the 36-year-old made a return to the Indian team. Dinesh Karthik made his India debut in 2004 and went on to play India’s first-ever T20I match. If all goes well, he will play the ICC T20I World Cup 2022 at the ripe age of 36.
Shoaib Akhtar Praised Dinesh Karthik’s Fitness
The Pakistan cricket legend has also hailed Dinesh Karthik’s longevity in the sport. Dinesh Karthik’s latest comeback to the Indian team is nothing less than a fairytale.
Having made his debut for India way back in 2004, Dinesh Karthik has made several comebacks to the team but the latest one is arguably the most inspiring one. The veteran’s international career had looked as good as over when he was dropped from the team across formats in 2019.
Dinesh Karthik faced the axe following his terrible display in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand. However, Dinesh Karthik has made a sensational return to the team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. The five-match T20I series against Proteas will get underway on June 9 in Delhi and conclude on June 19 in Bengaluru.
“It’s a big thing. Dinesh Karthik is a player from my era. He’s really fit and mentally strong. Good things happen to good people. Great to see the way he has made a comeback into the Indian team. My best wishes are with him,” he added.
Dinesh Karthik will next be seen in action in RCB’s crucial Qualifier 2 match against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad on Friday. Dinesh Karthik’s 15-year-old career includes 94 ODIs and 32 T20Is besides 26 Tests.
He has kept wickets for the Indian team in ICC events and crucial trophies, both ODIs as well as T20Is. Dinesh Karthik averages best in T20s at 33.25 with a strike rate of 143.52. Dinesh Karthik revived his international career in early 2018 with his 8-ball unbeaten 29 knock which helped India beat Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy final.
Dinesh Karthik hit an unbeaten 29 off just eight balls to get India past their 167-run target in a tense chase of a dramatic final at the R. Premadasa Stadium against Bangladesh in the 2018 Nidhas Trophy. This gave him a reputation as a finisher and T20 specialist.