In recent times, Indian wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik has become the toast of the country with his 8-ball-29 against Bangladesh in the tri-series final but he still reckons that he is like a “student in a University where MS Dhoni is a topper” when it comes to the tag of the best finisher.

As per the recent reports of DNA, in recent media interaction, Karthik said, “When it comes to Dhoni — I am studying at a university where he is the topper. He is one of the guys I have always looked up to. It is unfair to compare me to him.”

Also read: Dinesh Karthik – Longing For a Permanent Glory

Interestingly, Karthik made his international debut in September 2004 during Champions Trophy in England, exactly three months before Dhoni’s debut against Bangladesh in a bilateral series in December.

In 14 years since then, Dhoni became India’s most successful skipper and one of its greatest limited overs player while Karthik struggled to improve while waiting for his chances.

Describing more about Dhoni, Karthik said, “His (Dhoni) journey has been totally different and my journey is a different one. He is a terrific guy. He is somebody who used to be reserved, shy. Today, he is a person, who is really vocal in helping the youngsters. I feel these comparisons are very unfair. As I said, he is probably a topper in a university, where I am studying. I am just happy in the space I am in.”

Also read: L Balaji Defines Role Of MS Dhoni In CSK

Having playing international cricket for a decade and a half, Karthik is finally enjoying his the limelight he is getting, something he has so richly deserved. He attributes it to his good karma and divine intervention, he said, “It feels good that all the attention is on me. All the good karma and good things I have done over the years helped me hit that six. It is just that the shot went for a six… probably the two mm extra that it went for it became a six.”

Dinesh concluded by acknowledging the fact that the feeling is yet to sink in, he said, “It is hard for me to put in words. I am just happy to play this sport. When you play domestic cricket, it is a hard grind, To suddenly get so much attention feels so good but you also know that you want this to be a start of something special.”