Ravichandran Ashwin highlights how Dinesh Karthik made his birthday special

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik is celebrating his 33rd birthday today and he did that in a really unique fashion. While many tend to make their birthday special by donating things to the needy. Karthik played a charity cricket game representing ICC’s World XI side against West Indies.

Karthik, who was appointed the skipper of the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 took his team to the second Qualifier where they faced the tough task of playing the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The right-handed batsman had a near perfect IPL with both his bat and his unique style of captaincy.

While there was criticism with regard to his team selection or the bowler change, Karthik managed to have a perfect balance with his choice of bowlers. However, in their second game against Chennai Super Kings, the skipper gave the ball to the experienced Vinay Kumar with more than 15 runs to defend.

The decision, however, did not go according to plan, as the experienced pro leaked too many runs too early in the innings to hand the Super Kings an unlikely win. Karthik individually has been in fine form, ever since he hit the six to win Team India the Nidahas Trophy match everything he touches with the bat turns gold. In the IPL as well he bailed his team out of trouble and also gave them much-needed impetus in the inning very consistently.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s wishes for Dinesh Karthik:

On his birthday, DK’s close friend and teammate Ravichandran Ashwin wished him in an unusual manner on Twitter. “Many people donate generously on their birthdays, but @DineshKarthik just played a charity game on his birthday. Many more happy returns of the day😎 Machi.” tweeted Ashwin.

Many people donate generously on their birthdays, but @DineshKarthik just played a charity game on his birthday. Many more happy returns of the day😎 Machi.

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) June 1, 2018

The charity game did not go in favour of the right-handed batsman as World XI succumbed under pressure while chasing 200. Karthik himself fell cheaply for a nought. The Windies team got a massive win on the night, as Shahid Afridi’s last international game was in a losing cause.

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