Dinesh Karthik has revealed that during his match-winning knock in the grand-finale of Nidahas Trophy 2018 against Bangladesh, he was disappointed with captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to send him down the order.
When the wicketkeeper-batsman walked in to bat, India needed 34 runs in the last two overs to lift the trophy. The pressure was on Men in Blue, but Dinesh Karthik played the most memorable knock of his career. In the 19th over, he smashed 22 runs to bring the game close.
India required five runs in the last ball and Karthik was on strike. He struck the six and guided India to victory. It became the most iconic moment in Indian cricket history.
Was angry when Vijay Shankar was sent ahead in Nidahas Trophy final, Dinesh Karthik recalls
Karthik stated that he was disappointed with Rohit Sharma’s decision not to send him early to bat. He was sent to bat at no.7 after Vijay Shankar. He, however, didn’t show his disappointment at that time as he accepted the captain decision.
“I was first ready to bat at number five and then Rohit Sharma said that I’ll be going in at number 6. So, I was fine with that. I was pretty sure I would go in at number six and I could see that the difference between the runs needed and the remaining deliveries was increasing,” said Karthik while speaking with Saurav Ghosal on ‘Finish Line’.
“When the fourth wicket fell, I was ready to walk in, but then Rohit said Vijay Shankar should go into bat. So, at that point, I was disappointed and I felt anger, but you obviously don’t question the captain. I am sure Rohit had something in mind, so I just let it be. However, finally walked in at number 7,” he added.
The 35-year-old also spoke about the thoughts he had in his mind. He said that when you least expect, something special happens.
“A lot of times in life when you’re pushed to the brink, you come up with something special. It was one of those occasions where I had nothing to lose. I had an opportunity where I had the freedom to completely express myself,” said Karthik.
Dinesh Karthik is currently leading Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2020.