New Delhi: Star India cricketer Dinesh Karthik revealed that MS Dhoni made him a chameleon as he took different roles different roles to secure a place in the Indian team following Dhoni’s debut. Dhoni made his debut for India three months after Karthik in 2004. Karthik struggled to cement his spot after Dhoni quickly became the team’s leading wicketkeeper-batter within a few matches. While speaking to India Today Conclave South 2025 Karthik revealed how MS Dhoni impressed everyone with his explosive batting and secured his place in the Indian cricket team. He also said that Dhonis six hitting ability was compared to the West Indies great Garfield Sobers. Dinesh Karthik opened up about Dhonis power-hitting I hadn’t seen him play much. But during that A series in Kenya everyone was talking about one player because he brought something new. The power with which he hit the ball was something people said they hadn’t seen before. Some were even comparing him to Gary Sobers known for those massive sixes. MS Dhoni had a very different technique but he was hitting the ball as hard as anyone people had ever witnessed. That was the buzz at the time said Karthik. Back then India were using Rahul Dravid as the wicketkeeper. But Dravid had reached a point where he said Boss I just want to focus on my batting. My body’s going through a lot trying to keep wickets.’ So the team started looking for a proper wicketkeeper. I stepped in briefly like a guest appearance in a movie. But the lead role was always meant for Dhoni. And when he arrived he didn’t just impress India he completely swept everyone off their feet. Very soon he was making waves in international cricket as well he said When someone like that comes along you need to look inward and ask yourself: What can I do to bring out the best version of myself? So I became a bit like a chameleon. If there was an opening slot available I’d go back to Tamil Nadu and ask Sir can I open? I’d score runs as an opener just to find a place in the team. Similarly if there was a vacancy in the middle order for India I’d request to bat there — always looking for ways to break into the side. But my real challenge was holding on to that spot. I put so much pressure on myself that at times I didn’t do justice to what was really needed Karthik added Karthik said he learned to adapt to different roles Through that journey I learned the importance of adapting to whatever is thrown at you — but even more importantly the need for determination and resilience. I constantly did things that were uncomfortable for most players — like batting at No. 6 or 7 for the last five years of my career. But I embraced that role and used my strengths to succeed in it. MS Dhoni taught me a lot often in ways that weren’t direct but deeply impactful he concluded Karthik last represented India during the 2022 T20 World Cup he secured the spot into the team following a strong performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in that year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). He spent a significant period batting in the middle order in India’s ODI team and even succeeded as a Test opener in England during the team’s historic 2007 series victory. Dinesh Karthik career stat Karthik has played a total of 26 Tests 94 ODIs and 60 T20Is during his career and he was also part of India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 as well as the Champions Trophy victory in 2013. One of the highlights of Karthik’s career came in 2018 when he played a match-winning cameo of 29* off 8 balls and helped India to a win against Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy final. Story Highlight Dinesh Karthik revealed that MS Dhoni made him a chameleon as he took different roles different roles to secure a place in the Indian team following Dhoni’s debut. Karthik revealed how MS Dhoni impressed everyone with his explosive batting and secured his place in the Indian cricket team. Karthik highlighted that through out his journey he has learned the importance of adapting to whatever is thrown at him Karthik last represented India during the 2022 T20 World Cup he secured the spot into the team following a strong performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru