Dinesh left MS Dhoni out of his all time India XI
Dinesh Karthik did not include MS Dhoni in his all-time India XI. He later apologized. Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik left fans angry on social media after he failed to pick MS Dhoni in his all-time India XI.
Giving clarification on this mistake, Karthik admitted that he had indeed forgotten to include MS Dhoni. The recently retired wicketkeeper-batsman admitted the big mistake he made in the team selection and said that it is shameful that he did not include a wicketkeeper in his team while he himself has mostly stood behind the wickets. Correcting his mistake, Karthik said that Dhoni is present in his XI in all formats.
Dinesh Karthik, the seasoned Indian cricketer, recently made headlines when he left out former Indian captain MS Dhoni from his all-time India XI. This surprising omission sparked significant debate among fans and cricket pundits, given Dhoni’s monumental contributions to Indian cricket, including leading the team to victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Karthik’s all-time India XI, which featured some of the greatest players in the history of Indian cricket, drew attention primarily for the absence of Dhoni, a player widely regarded as one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen and captains in the world. Following the backlash and intense scrutiny, Karthik acknowledged his oversight and admitted that leaving Dhoni out of his list was a mistake.
In a candid admission, Karthik emphasized Dhoni’s unparalleled leadership, match-winning abilities, and immense contribution to Indian cricket. He recognized that Dhoni’s inclusion was crucial to any discussion of an all-time India XI and expressed regret for the oversight.
This incident highlights the high regard in which Dhoni is held in the cricketing community and the difficulty of making such selections when so many legendary players have donned the Indian jersey.
I did not think of Rahul Dravid as a wicketkeeper
I realised it when this episode came to light. So many things were happening that I forgot the wicketkeeper when I picked this 11. Luckily Rahul Dravid was also there and everyone thought I was going with a part-time wicketkeeper. But I actually never thought of Rahul Dravid as a wicketkeeper. Can you believe that being a wicketkeeper I forgot to have a wicketkeeper? It is a big mistake,” Karthik said.
The greatest player
Karthik decided to include Ranchi-born Dhoni at No. 7 in his team, calling him one of the greatest players of the game. And for me, let’s be clear. Thala Dhoni is a lock, not just in India, but in any format. I think he is one of the greatest cricketers ever to play the game. If I had to make that team again, I would make one change, Thala Dhoni at No. 7. And he would be the captain of any Indian team, he added.
That is a big mistake, Karthik said.
Thala Dhoni is a lock in any format Karthik further said that Dhoni is a lock in any format and called him one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Karthik said that if he gets a chance to make changes in the team, he will keep Dhoni at No. 7 and as the captain of the team.
And for me, that is clear. Thala Dhoni is a lock in any format, not just in India. I think he is one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played. If I had to rebuild that team, I would make one change, keep Thala Dhoni at No. 7. And he would be the captain of any Indian team, Karthik said.
Talking about Dinesh Karthik
He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after IPL 2024. He praised his days at RCB a lot and said that he will join the franchise as a batting coach and mentor from next season. Talking about MS Dhoni, if reports are to be believed, CSK are trying to get him to play another season by naming him as an uncapped player.
Several sources say that Dhoni will be retained as an uncapped player as he has retired from international cricket for more than five years. However, nothing is official in the matter yet. CSK CEO Kashi Viswanathan has denied such claims. Meanwhile, the BCCI may bring back the rule that allows franchises to retain retired international players as uncapped players, a policy that was removed in 2021.
Conclusion
Dinesh Karthik has apologised to fans disappointed with the exclusion of MS Dhoni from his all-time playing XI. Last week, Karthik had revealed the names of the players included in his all-time playing XI and the biggest talking point was Dhoni’s absence. The former wicketkeeper surprised fans with his decision.
However, Karthik has come to tell in the latest episode of his show what exactly happened that led to Dhoni being dropped. The Indian wicketkeeper said that it was a big mistake of his team and they forgot to include a wicketkeeper while making the team. Karthik said that many people had assumed that they had included Rahul Dravid in the team as a wicketkeeper.
