Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has heaped praise on Dinesh Karthik for always staying strong amid the turmoil in his personal life.

Karthik, 36, recently made his return to the India T20I squad for the upcoming series against South Africa on the back of his exploits in the IPL 2022.

WATCH – ‘A lot of people had given up on me’, Karthik elated with his 'most special comeback'

Playing for RCB, the right-hander has so far scored 324 runs in 15 innings at an incredible strike rate of 187.28. In particular, his brutal hitting in the death overs has impressed one and all.

“I usually avoid speaking about people’s personal lives. What I want to say here is that he had suffered some setbacks in his personal life, but he came back really well after that. I have followed his personal life and read quite a bit about it. And I really like how he has come back. I would say well done to him. This is what attitude is all about," Akhtar was quoted as saying to Sportskeeda.

“It’s a big thing. Dinesh Karthik is a player from my era. He’s really fit and mentally strong. Good things happen to good people. Great to see the way he has made a comeback to the Indian team. My best wishes are with him," he added.

Dinesh Karthik has played a key role in RCB’s success in this year’s IPL. While the Bangalore-based franchise the league stage in the fourth position with 8 wins from 14 games, they defeated Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator two days ago.

The Faf du Plessis-led side will now take on Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday (May 27).

After the IPL 2022 season, Karthik will be seen in action in India’s five-match T20I series against South Africa at home, starting June 9.