Rajkot: Hardik Pandya, India’s top all-rounder, has expressed respect for Dinesh Karthik, saying his rise from invisibility is an inspiration to many both inside and beyond the squad. The veteran wicketkeeper hit his maiden T20 fifty to help the hosts beat South Africa by 82 runs in the fourth T20 in Rajkot on Friday. Karthik surpassed MS Dhoni to become the oldest Indian to smash a T20I half-century
During a talk with Karthik, which the BCCI has posted on its website, Hardik recalled previous chats with the seasoned campaigner, who is now on a dream run with the bat.
In-flight insightful conversation 👌
Learning from the great @msdhoni 👍
Being an inspiration 👏DO NOT MISS as @hardikpandya7 & @DineshKarthik chat after #TeamIndia's win in Rajkot. 😎 😎 – By @28anand
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“I need to tell you this, genuinely I want to tell you this, you have given a lot of inspiration to many guys in their life. I remember the conversation you were having when you were not in the scheme of things, a lot of people counted you out,” Hardik told Karthik during the chat.
India were 81/4 in the 13th over when stand-in captain Pant was removed for 17. It brought Karthik and Hardik together, and the combination resurrected the Indian innings with a fast 65-run stand.
“I remember those conversations. You told me then that my goal is to play for India again and the goal is to play this World Cup, I am going to give it my everything, and seeing you achieve that is very inspirational.
“A lot of people are going to learn new things. Well done my brother, very proud of you,” Hardik added. Karthik smashed nine fours and two sixes in his entertaining 55-run knock, Hardik made 46 off 31 balls to prop up the India innings.
The series decider will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.
