'Matter Of Time Till MS Dhoni Overtakes Me Back': Dinesh Karthik Says He's Not 'Fascinated' By Records
Dinesh Karthik isn't motivated by records, and will be happy to see MS Dhoni overtake him again as India's highest run-scoring wicketkeeper-batter in T20s.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik said on Sunday (February 16) that surpassing MS Dhoni for T20 runs to become the highest-scoring Indian wicketkeeper doesn’t ‘fascinate’ him much because he has never been motivated to break records in his career. Karthik said it was ‘nice to know’ that he broke the record, but added that the only achievement he has cared about is playing for India.
Dhoni has 7432 runs in all T20s and Karthik overtook him by reaching 7537 runs during the SA20 tournament. Having retired from all Indian cricket, including the IPL, last year, Kartik played for Paarl Royals in the South African tournament. Meanwhile, Dhoni is still actively involved with the IPL and will be seen in action for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming 2025 season, which starts on March 22.
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“I played a lot of my cricket wanting to play for India," Karthik, a SA20 ambassador, said in a select media interaction on Sunday. “And when I retired from IPL and playing in India six months ago, I think that was the most important thing — to play for the country and do well. I’ve never been someone who’s very fascinated by records, probably because I don’t have great records, I don’t know, but you know, it is great to know that I overtook Dhoni, but it won’t be a matter of time before he overtakes me back. And it really wouldn’t trouble me much. I’m happy for him to keep that record as the highest whatever, run-scorer as a wicketkeeper. I don’t know what it is, but it is — I didn’t even know this till you (the reporter who asked him) told me, honestly, it’s okay. It’s nice to know, but it’s not something that I crave or really want," he added.
Karthik is the first Indian cricketer to feature in the SA20. The wicketkeeper batted eight times in 11 matches, scoring 130 runs at a strike-rate of 121.49.
Playing with Joe Root is a highlight of my career: Karthik
The Royals were eliminated in the playoffs after losing to finalists MI Cape Town and SunRisers Eastern Cape. However, for many, they were the most exciting team in the competition, not just with their strategies on the field but also because of their dressing room shenanigans.
Videos of their push-up challenges were quite popular during the season. Karthik credited teammate Joe Root for it, saying that playing with him was one of the best experiences he has had in his career, thanks to the former England captain’s humility and genuineness.
“Playing with Joe Root was one of the highlights, I believe, for me personally, playing this tournament,: Karthik said. “I’ve never interacted much with him, always seen him said hello, hi, but to rub shoulders with him, be with him in the same dressing room. What a terrific personality. He’s a legend of the game. Easily will go down as one of the greatest batters to ever play in this sport. But the attitude that he brings is just very warm, and welcoming, helps the youngsters so much, and always wants to have fun and a laugh, and wants the team to have a great time. The things that he was doing, like we had this push-ups contest after the match, and it was all started by him. It’s just the energy that he brings, the genuineness that he brings towards the sport. It was wonderful playing with him. It is one of the best experiences, actually, you know, playing with such a legend who has no hangups about himself, very relaxed, very humble. It is a lot of fun."
Karthik will be a part of the upcoming IPL 2025 as RCB’s batting coach and mentor.
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