Dinesh Karthik takes witty jibe at former India great over his test exit: ‘He told me I was done’

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik had everyone in splits with a witty dig aimed at ex-India coach Ravi Shastri during a live podcast appearance. 

Sitting alongside Shastri, Nasser Hussain, and Michael Atherton on the Sky Sports Podcast, Karthik recounted the moment his Test career abruptly ended during India’s 2018 tour of England. 

The humour-laced anecdote revealed how Shastri, then India’s head coach, delivered the news that his time in the longest format was over.

‘He Told Me I Was Done’

“The first thing is, I feel there’s not much in common between me and Nasser Hussain, and I’d like to keep it that way,” Karthik began, referencing Hussain’s self-announced retirement. “Sadly though, we both finished at Lord’s. But the only difference, he went to the coach’s room and said, ‘I think I’m done.’ In my case, the coach came to me and said, ‘Don’t bother coming for the next Test, I think you’re done,’” Karthik chuckled, pointing at Shastri.

Karthik’s brief 2018 Test comeback saw him filling in for the injured Wriddhiman Saha against Afghanistan and continuing to England. But scores of 0 and 20 at Edgbaston, followed by 1 and 0 at Lord’s, saw India turn to a young Rishabh Pant, who eventually became India’s first-choice keeper. Pant grabbed this opportunity with both hands and scored his maiden century at the Oval, London during the fifth test match in 2018.

Beyond Retirement: Karthik’s Coaching Triumph

While Karthik’s international career was ended after he played his final ODI at the 2019 World Cup semifinal, he turned his focus seamlessly into commentary and coaching. In 2025, as batting coach and mentor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he played a pivotal role in guiding Rajat Patidar’s side to their maiden IPL title against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad.

A Career of Grace and Wit

Dinesh Karthik’s humour about his Test exit reflects the grace with which he has navigated the highs and lows of cricket. From key knocks for India to mentoring IPL champions, Karthik’s journey is proof that his impact on the game goes far beyond runs and dismissals.