Dinesh Karthik recently recalled a candid moment from his career when former India coach Ravi Shastri delivered a blunt message that marked the end of his Test match journey.
A Career Often in the Shadows
Dinesh Karthik’s cricketing path was often overshadowed by the consistent presence of MS Dhoni. Despite moments of brilliance, Karthik found himself in and out of the Indian squad across formats.
Even after Dhoni stepped away from Test cricket, opportunities for the wicketkeeper-batsman largely went to Wriddhiman Saha. However, following a strong domestic season for Tamil Nadu in 2018, Karthik earned a surprising recall to the Indian red-ball side.
Ravi Shastri’s Direct Retirement Call
It was during this period that Karthik experienced an unforgettable, and very direct, conversation with then-coach Ravi Shastri. The topic of retirement came up in a wider discussion, with Shastri sharing his no-nonsense approach.
Shastri recounted his interaction, contrasting it with another former player. He famously told Karthik, “Don’t bother coming in the next Test, you are done.” This remarkably straightforward message brought an abrupt end to Karthik’s latest stint in Test whites.
Nasser Hussain’s Controlled Exit
The conversation about career endings began with former England captain Nasser Hussain sharing his own experience. Hussain’s departure from Test cricket was quite different, marked by a pre-planned decision.
He revealed knocking on his coach Duncan Fletcher’s door, expecting a plea to stay. Instead, Fletcher affirmed his decision: “No, tomorrow is going to be your last day.” Hussain went on to score a century in his final Test, ending on a high note against New Zealand.
Two Sides of Farewell
The anecdotes from Karthik and Hussain highlight the vastly different ways a professional cricketing career can conclude. While Hussain had the agency to choose his final match and go out with a memorable performance, Karthik’s exit was decided for him in a very clear, unequivocal manner by his coach.
Both tales offer a glimpse into the high-stakes world of international sport, where careers can end abruptly or by design, often leaving lasting memories for the players involved.
