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Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes the Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized Indian cricket so much that the country can now field multiple teams at the international level simultaneously.
Speaking at the Padukone Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on March 14, Karthik discussed how the IPL has shaped the mindset, infrastructure, and depth of talent in Indian cricket.
👉 “The IPL has brought out a winning mentality in all our players,” Karthik said in conversation with Mo Bobat (RCB’s Director of Cricket) and Isa Guha (former England cricketer).
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Infrastructure Growth Key to India’s Success
Karthik credited financial benefits from the IPL for the rapid development of cricket infrastructure in India.
👉 “With the influx of money and the financial benefits that a lot of teams receive, and in turn, the stakeholders, a lot of it has been put back into infrastructure. When infrastructure grows, the quality of sport develops as well.”
India’s Depth: A Rare Cricketing Privilege
The veteran cricketer highlighted that the IPL has created an extraordinary depth in Indian cricket, allowing the team to compete on multiple fronts with different squads.
👉 “Since the IPL has become a part of Indian cricket’s fabric, they can now field two to three teams in international cricket at the same time, and almost compete with each one of them. Right now, India is in a very privileged place where they have such a good assortment of cricketers across skill sets.”
India has already tested this depth in recent years, sending separate squads for bilateral series and ICC tournaments, with players seamlessly stepping up when required.
“A Pack of Wolves”: Karthik’s Experience with Glenn McGrath
Recalling his early IPL days, Karthik shared a story about his time playing alongside Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath and how it changed his perspective on the game.
👉 “For me, the whole ideology of how Australia played at that time was a massive shock. They felt like a pack of wolves out to win every game.”
Karthik admitted that the IPL allowed him to interact with world-class cricketers, helping him build confidence to compete at the highest level.
👉 “In my first year, I got to spend time with Glenn McGrath in close quarters and practice with him. I got to know him better and became comfortable, which helped the confidence and mindset of competing with the best.”
The IPL Legacy Continues
With IPL 2025 just around the corner, the tournament continues to shape the future of Indian cricket. New talent keeps emerging, and the league remains a breeding ground for future stars.
👉 What do you think about Karthik’s comments? Can India truly field multiple competitive teams at once? Drop your thoughts below!
