‘I want to break that stereotype’ – Dinesh Karthik on commentary being considered like a post-retirement option in India

‘I want to break that stereotype’ – Dinesh Karthik on commentary being considered like a post-retirement option in India

Dinesh Karthik

India wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has entertained the entire cricket fraternity with his commentary skills of late. His most successful stint as a commentator came during the ICC 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and New Zealand as well as the ENG-SL white-ball series. 

However, he invited an unwanted controversy as well with his ‘sexist’ remark during the England vs Sri Lanka limited-overs series. Barring this, he has received praises from various members of the community, including veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle.

The Tamil Nadu cricketer began his commentary career during the home series between India and England earlier this year. During a recent interaction with the PTI, Karthik mentioned that he wanted to let go of the stereotype surrounding commentators which claims it’s a post-retirement job in India. 

“There are a lot of other sports like basketball and football where current players come on air when they are not playing. Even now during the Sri Lanka-England T20s, James Anderson was doing it for BBC in the next room.

“So it is a normal thing, it is only in India I think it is considered like that (post-retirement option). I obviously want to break that stereotype to an extent and I am happy to do this when I am not playing,” Karthik was quoted as saying in Hindustan Times.

‘Am lucky to receive commentary tips from Sunil Gavaskar’

Before going into the commentary box, the 36-year-old got some valuable tips from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Karthik stated he is enlightened to spend time with the former India captain and feels lucky to receive those tips from him.

“I am extremely lucky that it happened. He gave me a few tips (on commentating) and it went well. More than the tips, the time I spent with him was very enlightening and enriching. It was also a lovely country and Sunny bhai and I got to meet the Serbian cricket team which was very interesting,” he added.

Dinesh Karthik’s last international outing came during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand. His next assignment will be for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in the UAE.

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