Horizontal, on the ground as he stumped Michael Vaughan in 2004, that's how Dinesh Karthik stormed into the spotlight with his first dismissal as a wicket-keeper for India. However, despite being consistent with the willow, Karthik never saw his international career taking off.
While the presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the Indian side surely played a role, it was also Karthik's inability to make his second chances count that eventually kept him away from international cricket. But, after lurking in the shadows for over three years, the 32-year-old finally got the call-up for the national side in one T20I and a few ODIs earlier this year.
© BCCL
Making full use of the limited opportunities lately, Karthik proved his worth in India's recent ODI-series win against New Zealand where he also scored a crucial fifty. Back into the fold (even in limited-overs cricket), Karthik might not have been able to establish himself as the wicket-keeping batsman; but he has surely earned respect and developed a good rapport with the current crop of Indian cricketers.
And, going by Hardik Pandya's claims, Karthik has now earned the title of the 'Funniest Cricketer' in the Indian dressing room.
Almost ð years age gap.
Close to 0⣠years mental gap.@DineshKarthik #funnyguy ð #Respect pic.twitter.com/WqgJ6puzEY
Pandya, who himself was recently branded as the 'Most Irritating Cricketer' in Team India, took to Twitter and said: "Almost 10 years age gap. Close to O years mental gap. @DineshKarthik #funnyguy #Respect".
With Team India still trying to fix their middle-order vulnerabilities, and both Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav struggling for consistency, Karthik could very well benefit from the current situation if he continues his fine run in limited-overs cricket.
© BCCL
“It is always harder to make an international comeback than play for the first time. When you are part of the playing XI after a long time, you have to fight a lot of mental pressure to prove yourself,” Dinesh Karthik had said earlier.
“Right now the coach (Ravi Shashtri) and captain (Virat Kohli) are doing a great job. The team has been on a winning run and it's great. For me, I would want to contribute in whatever role is given to me. “I am not in a position to decide about my role. But I am ready to play my part in all three areas,” he added.
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