Dinesh Karthik Apologizes for Overlooking MS Dhoni in His All-Time India XI: 'I Made a Mistake'

New Delhi: Former Indian Cricketer Dinesh Karthik has apologized for his mistake in not including MS Dhoni in his predicted India’s all-time playing XI. On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Karthik shared his all-time playing XI, selecting players from different eras who he believes can represent the Men in Blue across all formats. However, Karthik admitted that he overlooked Dhoni's contribution and also failed to include a wicketkeeper in his side.

“Bhai log. Bada galti hogaya (Guys I made a big mistake.) Genuinely it was a mistake,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

There were theories that Rahul Dravid would take the gloves for the team in Karthik’s XI. “I realized only when the episode came out. There were so many things happening that when I put this 11, I forgot the wicket keeper. Luckily Rahul Dravid was there and everybody thought I was going with a part-time wicket keeper. But genuinely I didn’t think Rahul Dravid was a wicketkeeper, Can you believe being a wicketkeeper, I forgot to have a wicketkeeper? It is a blunder,” Karthik clarified.

“And for me, let’s be clear. Thala Dhoni is a lock in any format, not only in India. I feel he is one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game. If I had to redo that team, one change I would make is Thala Dhoni in at 7. And he will be the captain of any Indian team that is there,” said Karthik further.

The all-time India XI across formats that Karthik selected features big names and a mix of finest talents across formats. The lineup includes:

Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma as Openers, followed by Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in the vital roles of No.3 and No.4 positions. Virat Kohli at No.5, adding further depth and firepower to the batting lineup.

He also picked up Yuvraj Singh in his team who was the Man Of The Tournament in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups and Ravindra Jadeja as all-rounders.

The spin department features Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble, two of India’s most successful spinners, while the pace attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah and Zaheer Khan. Karthik also named Harbhajan Singh as the 12th man, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian cricket.

Despite the mix-up, Karthik’s selections underscore his respect for the greats of Indian cricket and highlight the depth of talent the country has produced over the years.