Dinesh Karthik, a former India wicketkeeper-batter, said on Sunday (February 16) that surpassing MS Dhoni for T20 runs to become the highest-scoring Indian wicketkeeper did not 'fascinate' him because he has never been motivated to break records during his career.  

Karthik said it was 'great to know' that he broke the record but that the only success he has focused on is playing for India. Dhoni has 7432 runs in all T20s, but Karthik surpassed him by scoring 7537 runs during the SA20 2025 tournament.

Kartik, who retired from Indian cricket, including the IPL, last year, played for the Paarl Royals in the South African league. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni will be seen in action for CSK in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, which begins on March 22.

“I played a lot of my cricket, wanting to play for India. And when I retired from IPL and playing in India six months ago, I think that was the most important thing — to play for the country and do well. I’ve never been someone who’s very fascinated by records, probably because I don’t have great records, I don’t know, but you know, it is great to know that I overtook Dhoni, but it won’t be a matter of time before he overtakes me back.

And it really wouldn’t trouble me much. I’m happy for him to keep that record as the highest whatever run-scorer as a wicketkeeper. I don’t know what it is, but it is — I didn’t even know this till you (the reporter who asked him) told me, honestly, it’s okay. It’s nice to know, but it’s not something that I crave or really want,” Karthik, an SA20 ambassador, said in a select media interaction on Sunday.

Karthik is the first Indian cricketer to feature in the SA20. The wicketkeeper batted eight times in 11 matches, scoring 130 runs at a strike-rate of 121.49.

Talking about the time he spent in Royals, Karthik hailed teammate Joe Root, stating that playing with him was one of the best experiences of his career due to the former England captain's modesty and authenticity.

“Playing with Joe Root was one of the highlights, I believe, for me personally, playing this tournament. I’ve never interacted much with him, always seen him said hello hi, but to rub shoulders with him, be with him in the same dressing room. What a terrific personality. He’s a legend of the game.

Easily will go down as one of the greatest batters to ever play in this sport. But the attitude that he brings is just very warm and welcoming, helps the youngsters so much, and always wants to have fun and a laugh, and wants the team to have a great time. The things that he was doing, like we had this push-ups contest after the match, and it was all started by him.

It’s just the energy that he brings, the genuineness that he brings towards the sport. It was wonderful playing with him. It is one of the best experiences, actually, you know, playing with such a legend who has no hangups about himself, very relaxed, very humble. It is a lot of fun,” Karthik stated.

Karthik will be a part of the upcoming IPL 2025 as RCB’s batting coach and mentor.

(News18 inputs)