INTERVIEW
Follow UsThere are people, and then there are people you consider part of your family.
For Baba Indrajith, Dinesh Karthik is one such figure. Over the last 12 years, the duo have shared a bond that isn’t just on the field but also off the field, where they have visited several countries on vacation.
So, when Karthik hung up his boots, it was not a decision that would only affect him but have some emotional connection with Indrajith, who has witnessed his journey from a captain and a traditional player to a swashbuckling finisher.
It doesn’t stop there, Indrajith has also seen Karthik from a normal person to having a caring family, including being both a dog parent and a parent of twins now.
Here’s the entire transcript of Cricket.com’s conversation with Baba Indrajith on DK, the leader, an inspiring figure and family:
So, Indrajith, can you recollect your first memories of playing alongside DK? He was there when you made your FC debut.
Baba Indrajith: It felt good, I had played a couple of league matches with him, so I knew him for two years (before my first class debut). Things were quite easy for me to make my debut for Tamil Nadu. He was there to support me in the dressing room.
We played for the same league (TNCA first division) team when I moved to India Cements, he was also there. By then, Apar (Aparajith) had made his Ranji Trophy debut, so Apar and DK (Dinesh Karthik) knew each other and had a decent bond. So, coming into the team, I also had a good bond. From there, it started to develop. It was good to play with DK.
At this point, both of us are close to DK. Obviously, I wasn’t in touch with DK earlier. Apar was already part of the TN team, so obviously, he knew him more. Once we started playing together, all of us shared that close bond.
What’s it like to play cricket with DK?
Indrajith: When I started as a youngster, Dinesh Karthik was this cricketer from TN who made his India debut very young. I still remember the NatWest series vividly, where he did the stumping (Michael Vaughan’s wicket in the third ODI) and all. We have seen him on TV and heard a lot about him.
When you go and play, you know that legendary status, but he’s jolly and jovial. We never felt that celebrity status around him; he made everyone feel the same way. You can talk to him about anything; there wasn’t a junior-senior gap.
He talks a lot about cricket but keeps it very light in the dressing room before he goes to bat. He tries to pull our leg, he likes to keep it very light.
Could you shed more light on this bond, and what are some fond memories with DK?
Indrajith: Very hard to say, my first first-class fifty, when I scored it, DK was at the other end. That was the game where he scored a hundred (against Madhya Pradesh in the 2014 season), and I scored a fifty, especially after my struggle. He was there for me. Apart from that, the trophies are also a good feeling.
We have played many of the Vijay Hazare Trophy finals, including the one we won in Delhi (2017 against Saurashtra). These are all fond memories.
I don’t remember what he said, but I remember when he hugged me. He seemed really happy for me; I could feel that. He knew how much of a struggle it was for me to get there.
You have to trace DK's journey. You have seen him go from being a classical batter to a finisher, from player to commentator. How inspiring has his journey been for you?
Indrajith: It is a brilliant journey. He’s a legend of his own. As you said, he was a very classical player, but he has also been a very flamboyant player. He used to play the sweep and reverse sweep from a young age when no one else played.
But he’s been a very versatile player. He’s played in multiple positions and made multiple comebacks for India. So many comebacks, not at all easy. He’s moulded his game, but it is not at all easy. He’s become a finisher. He’s captained, not captained, he’s done everything. His passion and work ethic, as well, are commendable.
Even at this age, he’s been great. Even his fitness has been outstanding (touch wood). He’s been quite outstanding and has a very inspirational story. He’s shown you how to grow up, and you must respect that.
Was there any conversation with DK after the 2019 ODI World Cup, when he was dropped from the setup?
Indrajith: No real conversations after the 2019 ODI World Cup, he didn’t really plan his comeback or something, but it was never over for him, that much I can tell you. He worked hard, and he does his things. He’s very humble when he talks to you. He doesn’t say things out inside; I’m pretty sure he was working for that comeback.
I know that for sure, he goes to Bombay and practises (with Abhishek Nayar), but even in Chennai, I remember he went from the airport straight to practise, that’s his commitment. That much, he’s willing to sacrifice, even the workout and the food, it is all for cricket, he completely immerses himself into cricket.
He's fully into cricket when he’s looking to play for the country. He wants to do something special, he doesn’t say it out loud.
Have you guys ever talked with DK about his new style of equipment or made fun of it in the dressing room?
Indrajith: We have made fun of his new equipment (laughs). We call it weird equipment. It has been a light moment. He’s ready to give it, he’s very genuine. He’s always someone who likes to try new things; if you remember, he tried that new baseball helmet as well, or new pads.
He’s always ready for new equipment.
Going back to cricket, what’s DK as a leader? What’s that one thing that really attracts you towards his leadership style?
Indrajith: He’s very honest (as a leader). On many occasions, he told me openly that I wouldn’t be in the XI. There is an emotional connection in that aspect, he’s earned the respect of many youngsters.
Right from when he took that captaincy, Tamil Nadu in the white-ball format, we have developed such that we have won many trophies. He’s had a lot of experience, earned the respect, and tactically, he’s very good and smart. That’s a positive thing about his captaincy.
How would you best describe DK, the leader, in one sentence?
Indrajith: Very inspirational, that’s how I can sum it up.
Could you share more about DK on the field, he’s quite chirpy, right?
Indrajith: There is no one such incident; he’s very vocal as a wicketkeeper and a captain. That’s how he keeps himself in the game.
Apart from that, we all know that he takes a lot of time when he comes to bat. He has many rituals or sentiments. Whenever DK comes, the umpires are on their toes, as they know he takes a lot of time to get into position. Every umpire is scared of him because of that.
DK, as a commentator, what are your thoughts and impressions? Have you guys made fun of him doing commentary?
Indrajith: I enjoy his commentary a lot genuinely. He’s very funny, and his cricketing points are contemporary and relevant. He’s very knowledgeable. No, we haven’t pulled his leg; we have played with many older cricketers who are now coaches.
A lot of times, he’s either played with them or against them, that’s how long he has been playing cricket. That’s one area where we make fun of him.
Some people in the current batch weren’t born when he made his debut. That age thing has been with him for a long time, and he is also aware of that.
When did DK progress from being a friend to becoming a family?
Indrajith: This friendship has been there for a long time. When I made his Ranji debut in 2014, we were there when DK married Dipika. Since that time, the bond has been there. We have come a long way, on and off the field. We go to restaurants, we go on holiday together. Of course, they have two beautiful children now as well. It has been a brilliant journey.
Okay, now, how emotional were you when you posted your thoughts on Instagram for DK after his retirement?
Indrajith: Exactly, I had a lot of things to write as well. I had to filter it and organise it. It is an emotional moment. We have seen him as a celebrity and a young Indian cricketer from Tamil Nadu. From that to playing together and becoming friends, it is more than a family now.
It has been a great journey for us. He’s been like a brother figure, and he’s seen our ups and downs, and important decisions in life. He’s been there when I made my debut and in my lows when I had multiple injuries. I don’t know if it is his last game for Tamil Nadu (Vijay Hazare semi-final against Haryana), but if it is, I played it. It is an emotional journey.
Would you want DK to continue his career just for that one last trophy?
Indrajith: We knew that his retirement was coming. He told us that he would retire after the IPL, but when it happened, it hit us. It has not sunk in yet.
I have no idea if he is motivated. It is his decision. He has the motivation and passion to do something whenever he's played. It is completely up to him. I seriously don’t know. If he wants to, he will play (for Tamil Nadu further).
So, what makes his journey really inspiring for you?
Indrajith: I think it is very inspirational (his journey) mainly because of the multiple comebacks. You can be a legend at any level, and his cricketing journey has inspired us. He showed longevity - be it his fitness or impact - there’s so much for us to learn from him. I’m very proud of his achievements.
What are your thoughts on DK's after-cricket life? Do you see him doing more reels, and how about his dressing style while doing commentary?
Indrajith: First of all, we aren’t too active on Instagram. I’m not much of a reel person, I don’t think he’s also. He tells me he will do reels and stuff whenever he does commentary. But I don’t know, maybe after his retirement, he might get into that (reels on Instagram).
Hahahah, not to training (wearing fancy shirts), that’s his commentary fashion style, which has become a hit now. After a point, he will change his style as well. He will keep changing, and keep upgrading his style. So, be tuned for that as well.
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