In a lighthearted exchange, Dinesh Karthik, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, indulged in playful banter with former England captain Nasser Hussain, poking fun at Hussain’s past comments regarding his exclusion from India’s squad during the previous year’s World Cup. Despite the jest, Karthik has been showcasing impressive form for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Dinesh Karthik’s explosive knock of an unbeaten 28 runs off just 10 deliveries against Punjab Kings, at a remarkable strike rate of 280, proved pivotal in RCB securing their first win of the tournament.
Reflecting on Dinesh Karthik’s stellar performance, Hussain praised his batting prowess and even endorsed him for a spot in India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. However, Karthik, in jest, took a humorous dig at Hussain, expressing scepticism towards his endorsement. He jokingly remarked that Hussain had never been a fan of his and would probably rank him eighth if asked to select six wicketkeepers for the squad.
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“Nas, I am not going to trust a word of what you said. Nas doesn’t like me as a person, as a player, as a wicketkeeper, let alone any part of me. This was the first time he said ‘oh, you smashed it.’ But still, if you ask him if he puts the Indian team right now and ask six keepers, I would be the eighth on the list,” quipped Dinesh Karthik during his conversation with Hussain on Sky Sports.
“You stabbed me in the back!”
Dinesh Karthik’s hilarious rant at Nasser Hussain! 😂 pic.twitter.com/s1k8KPj50e
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) April 8, 2024
Continuing in the same humorous vein, Karthik jokingly accused Hussain of betrayal, suggesting that after ten matches, Hussain would only reluctantly acknowledge his good performance. However, amidst the banter, Karthik expressed satisfaction with his own form in the IPL 2024, indicating that it has been a promising start for him, especially considering it might be his final stint in the tournament.
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“Last year at the World Cup, the only person who wanted me so badly out of the team… You took an interview with me, you stabbed me in the back. ‘Where is the Rishabh Pant?’ That was the headline we got. Don’t try to play nice and coy with me. After ten games, he would probably give me a ring and say, ‘I just thought for a second you batted well, now looks good.’ On a serious note, it has been a good start for me personally,” Karthik humorously remarked, reflecting on his past experiences with Hussain while maintaining an optimistic outlook on his current IPL campaign.
