Dinesh Karthik

Personal details 

Dinesh Karthik Recent Matches 

Batting Stats 

Bowling stats 

Teams 

India

Abahani Limited

Albert TUTI Patriots

Delhi Daredevils

Gujarat Lions

ICC World XI

Idream Karaikudi Kaalai

India A

India Blue

India Under-19s

Indian Board President’s XI

Kings XI Punjab

Kolkata Knight Riders

Mumbai Indians

Royal Challengers Bangalore

India B logo

South Zone

Tamil Nadu

About Dinesh Karthik 

Dinesh Karthik is a prominent figure in Indian cricket, known for his versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Born on June 1, 1985, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Karthik’s journey in cricket has been marked by both highs and lows, characterized by his resilience and determination.

Making his international debut in 2004, Karthik quickly established himself as a promising talent with his proficient wicketkeeping skills and dynamic batting abilities. Over the years, he has represented the Indian cricket team in various formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

One of the standout moments in Karthik’s career came during the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final against Pakistan, where his unbeaten 8-ball 13, including a last-ball six, helped India clinch the title in a thrilling finish. This memorable performance earned him widespread recognition and solidified his reputation as a dependable finisher under pressure.

Throughout his career, Karthik has been known for his adaptability and versatility, often stepping up to fulfill different roles within the team as required. Whether as a wicketkeeper, middle-order batsman, or even occasional captaincy duties, he has showcased his commitment and dedication to the game.

Despite facing competition from other talented players for a consistent spot in the national team, Karthik’s resilience and determination have seen him stage comebacks and continue contributing to Indian cricket across various domestic and international tournaments.

Off the field, Karthik is known for his calm demeanor and professionalism, earning him respect from teammates and opponents alike. He has also been active in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing several franchises and delivering impactful performances over the years.

As of my last update in January 2022, Dinesh Karthik remains an integral part of the Indian cricketing fraternity, continuing to inspire aspiring cricketers with his skill, dedication, and passion for the game.

Dinesh Karthik Career Highlights 

– He made his international debut for India in 2004 and has represented the country in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

– Karthik played a crucial role in India’s victory in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final against Pakistan, where his last-ball six secured the title for India. 

Career 

Domestic career 

Dinesh Karthik has had a prolific domestic cricket career, representing various teams in domestic tournaments in India. He has played for teams such as Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, as well as various franchises in domestic T20 tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Throughout his domestic career, Karthik has showcased his batting prowess and wicketkeeping skills, often playing crucial roles in his team’s success. He has accumulated numerous runs in domestic cricket across formats and has also been instrumental behind the stumps with his sharp glovework.

Karthik’s performances in domestic cricket have earned him recognition and opportunities at the international level, as his consistent performances in domestic tournaments have often led to his selection in the Indian cricket team. Overall, his domestic career has been marked by resilience, consistency, and a strong commitment to the sport.

IPL Career 

Dinesh Karthik’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been illustrious and varied. He began his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils in 2008, where he showcased his skills as a wicketkeeper-batsman. In subsequent seasons, he played for multiple franchises, including King XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, before finding a stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2018. During his time with KKR, Karthik led the team to the playoffs in 2018 and continued to contribute as a key player.

In IPL 2021, representing KKR, he scored 223 runs and caused 7 dismissals. His tenure with KKR established him as the team’s second-most successful skipper after Gautam Gambhir.

In 2022, Karthik was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for 5.50 crore in the IPL Auction. His performance that season was remarkable, with him being designated as the team’s finisher. Karthik’s aggressive batting style in the death overs made a significant impact, scoring 330 runs in 16 innings at an average of 55.00 and a strike rate of 183.33. His consistent performances have raised speculation about his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad for Australia in October. Karthik’s prowess in the IPL has cemented his reputation as a dependable player capable of turning the tide of a match in his team’s favor.

International career 

Dinesh Karthik made his Test debut against the Australian cricket team in 2004 but struggled initially, overshadowed by MS Dhoni’s emergence. Despite sporadic opportunities, Karthik failed to secure a permanent spot, even missing the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. His career saw brief flashes of success, including a stint as India’s opener in mid-2007. However, Dhoni’s ascent as captain solidified his role, relegating Karthik to the sidelines.

Despite intermittent returns to the team, Karthik faced prolonged spells out of the national side. He finally made a statement with a match-winning innings in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final, earning him a spot in the 2019 ICC World Cup squad. However, his World Cup campaign was disappointing, leading to another hiatus from international cricket.

Karthik’s resurgence came through consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, earning him recalls to the national team. His heroics as a finisher for RCB in the IPL further bolstered his credentials, making him a formidable batsman with strike rates over 200. The 2018 Nidahas Trophy final stands as a pinnacle in his career, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.

Test Career 

During the span from 2004 to 2018, Dinesh Karthik played a total of 26 matches, featuring in 42 innings as a batsman. He scored a total of 1025 runs with a highest score of 129, averaging at 25.00. Karthik remained not out once during his innings. He faced a total of 2080 deliveries with a strike rate of 49.27. Among his notable achievements, Karthik managed to score one century and seven half-centuries. However, he also faced four instances of getting dismissed without scoring any runs. Throughout his innings, he struck 134 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his ability to find the boundaries.

ODI Career 

During the period spanning from 2004 to 2019, Dinesh Karthik played a total of 94 One Day International (ODI) matches. In these matches, he featured in 79 innings as a batsman, remaining not out 21 times. Karthik accumulated a total of 1752 runs, with his highest score being 79. His batting average stood at 30.20, while he faced 2392 deliveries with a strike rate of 73.24.

Although Karthik didn’t register any centuries during his ODI career, he managed to score nine half-centuries. However, he also faced six instances of being dismissed without scoring any runs. Throughout his ODI innings, Karthik struck 176 fours and 15 sixes, displaying his ability to find the boundaries and contribute effectively to the team’s scoring.

T20 International Career 

From 2006 to 2022, Dinesh Karthik participated in 60 Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. During these appearances, he batted in 48 innings, remaining not out on 22 occasions. Karthik accumulated a total of 686 runs in T20I cricket, with a highest score of 55. His batting average stood at 26.38, while he faced a total of 481 deliveries at a remarkable strike rate of 142.61.

Although Karthik didn’t register any centuries in T20I cricket, he managed to score one half-century. However, he also faced three instances of being dismissed without scoring any runs. Throughout his T20I innings, Karthik struck 71 fours and 28 sixes, showcasing his ability to score quickly and find the boundaries in the shortest format of the game.

Additional info

Controversy- After five years of marriage, Nikita’s interest waned, and she developed feelings for Murali Vijay, Karthik’s teammate from Tamil Nadu. Karthik discovered his wife’s relationship with Vijay during a crucial Vijay Hazare Trophy match between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in 2012. Consequently, Karthik chose to end their marriage due to the situation.

Commentator –  Dinesh Karthik debuted as a commentator for the England and Wales Cricket Board’s official broadcasters during the March 2021 T20I and ODI series between India and England. He later joined Sky Sports’ commentary team for the Hundred’s debut season in March 2021. Karthik, alongside former captain Sunil Gavaskar, provided commentary for the ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton in June 2021.

Family 

Karthik’s father, Krishnakumar, was a cricketer in Chennai’s first division but didn’t achieve significant success. Instead, he focused on coaching his son from a young age. Karthik, who married Dipika Pallikal in 2015, had been previously married to Nikita Vanjara before their divorce in 2012. Former Indian cricketer Robin Singh has served as a mentor and coach in Karthik’s career. Karthik and Dipika became parents to twin boys, Kabir and Zian, in 2021.