Dinesh Karthik says he is still a student of the university topped by Dhoni

For quite some time now, it has been opined by critics that Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik should replace MS Dhoni in the team, whose form has largely warned in the limited-overs format. This came to the fore again after Karthik pulled India from the jaws of defeat and won them the final of the Nihadas Trophy against Bangladesh. His 8-ball 29 sent fans into a tizzy, who are now questioning when was the last time Dhoni finished a game for India.

Karthik made his international debut three months before Dhoni did, but the latter went on to become one of the finest limited-overs captains of the world, and his wicket-keeping was and continues to be compared, with the best in the world. In the wake of all the comparisons between the two veteran players, Karthik has said that he is still a student of the university which Dhoni topped.

“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 with him,” Karthik told media persons after returning to India from Sri Lanka.

MS Dhoni is a better decision maker and keeper than Karthik 

MS Dhoni is persisted within the team, even after dismal performances, because of his experience and unmatched work behind the stumps. He often acts as captain Virat Kohli’s mentor on the field, and hardly ever goes wrong with his decision regarding the DRS.

As for Karthik, his next assignment is in the Indian Premier League with the Kolkata Knight Riders, who he is all set to captain this season. KKR under their former captain Gautam Gambhir won two titles and were a formidable side, and Karthik will be expected to continue leading the side to good performances.

IPL 11 begins in Mumbai on April 7, and Kolkata plays RCB in their first game on April 8 at their home ground Eden Gardens.