NEW DELHI: As anticipation builds for the thrilling Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has shared a delightful secret – a unique superstition he follows before major finals, which he believes casts a spell of good luck on the Indian team.
Dinesh Karthik (Video grab)
In a recent video, Karthik playfully explained, “The last two finals India played, the 2024 World Cup final and the Champions Trophy final, there’s one thing I did that’s become a bit of a superstition. Today, for the Asia Cup final against Pakistan… let’s go! My ironing might not be perfect, but the effort is what counts. The main thing is, whenever I’ve ironed my own clothes on the day of a final, India has won. That’s the crucial part!”
Karthik traced the origin of this charming ritual back to his playing days in the West Indies. “It all started because in the West Indies, they told me it would take three days to get my clothes back. And the final was the same day! So, I ended up doing it myself. Now, even back in India, where I could get it done in ten minutes, I still make sure to do it. So, all the best, Team India. I’ve done my bit. Now it’s your time to go out there and smash it!” he added.
India enters this highly anticipated finale as strong favorites, boasting an unbeaten record with six consecutive victories in the tournament, including two dominant wins over Pakistan – a seven-wicket triumph in the group stage and a six-wicket victory in the Super Fours.
Karthik’s personal superstition, a quirky tradition that aligns with India’s past successes in major tournament finals, adds a light-hearted yet hopeful element to the pre-match atmosphere. Both fans and players will undoubtedly be wishing that this unusual ritual continues its lucky streak as India vies for the Asia Cup trophy once more.