Do you know the story of Dinesh Karthik’s lucky charm? Know how his life changed after 2015
After being betrayed by his first wife, RCB’s star player Dinesh Karthik found his lucky charm in 2015, when he married the international squash player Dipika Pallikal.
The current best finisher of Indian cricket, Dinesh Karthik has finally found his correct place. The wicket keeper-batsman had an in and out relation with the Indian team. Ever since MS Dhoni made his debut in international cricket, BCCI’s hunt for Rahul Dravid successor came to an end but other wicket-keepers lost their position in the team. But after facing sever struggles and taking a short break from cricket, Dinesh Karthik made a comeback worth remembering.
Very very honoured and happy to receive this award.This is one award I set my eyes on and am very happy to have got it , competing with some of the best players in the world .
And on his 37th birthday, let us tell you the time when Dinesh Karthik’s worst nightmare came true. Currently, the world might be applauding the cricketer for his form but there was a time when his entire world came down. Dinesh Karthik who made his debut in Indian cricket team at the age of 22 years in 2004, married his childhood best friend Nikita Vanjara in 2007.
However, it was not a love marriage. Nikita and Dinesh’s father were friend and just like old Bollywood movie they decided to turn their friendship into something more. But fate had something else stored for them. Dinesh Karthik had to divorce his wife after she cheated on him with his best friend Murli Vijay. They were official separated in 2007, when she was pregnant with Vijay’s child.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ9EFl8hYhC/
Having betrayed so badly, the cricketer was devastated and even fell out of form for a while. However, being blessed with a real good friend, cricketer Abhishek Nayar, who held DK get back in form. Nayar travelled with DK and both sweated in gym-ground and won back their place in the Indian squad. Dinesh had a good run in the ODI as well and Indian Premiere League but his life turned upside down once again, but this time for the right reasons.
After being single for too long Dinesh Karthik got attracted to Indian Squad player Dipika Pallikal, who became his lucky charm. For those who don’t know Dipika Pallikal is the first Indian to break into the top 10 of World squash ranking (PSA). She also won the prestigious Arjuna Award at the age of 21 and later she also received the Padma Shree Award in 2014. She also scripted history by winning India’s first-ever gold at the Commonwealth Games 2014.
https://www.instagram.com/p/tSs0dPNX2M/
Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal used to train at the same gym however they never collided because the squash player likes to train early in the morning at 6. Dinesh chased Dipika for a while until she eventually agreed to meet him only once, as Dipika never liked cricketer as she believed that they take away all the limelight from other sports as well.
But She did find Dinesh interesting and ended up talking to him for four hours in the first meet. Later the same year, they got engaged and later in 2015, they got married in just the presence of their families and friends.
https://www.instagram.com/p/7xSEsItX4I/
Ever since Karthik has also improved his game a lot. The couple also owns a luxurious house in Chennai and are neighbour to South superstar Rajnikanth. And this year Dinesh Karthik was again bought by RCB for 5.5 crores. DK was at his best and came like a storm by giving jitters to death overs bowlers in IPL 2022. He was not out for 10 times in 16 innings and was one of the major reasons why RCB could qualify for the play-offs.
The couple were blessed with twins, Kabir and Zain in October 2021 and in just six months of their birth, Dipika made a comeback in international squash and once again scripted history by winning the gold medal in 2012. However, sadly after achieving so much the athlete is only known as the wife of cricketer Dinesh Karthik.
Sahil Parakh, an emerging batter from Maharashtra, made his Indian Premier League debut for Delhi Capitals during their 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The 18-year-old was handed his maiden cap as the franchise made changes to its playing XI, looking to test fresh talent in a crucial stage of the tournament.
Opens innings alongside KL Rahul
Parakh was included as an opening batter and partnered experienced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul at the top. The move reflected Delhi Capitals’ intent to experiment with their batting combination and give exposure to young players in high-pressure games.
Short stay at the crease
The debut outing did not last long for the youngster, as he was dismissed early in the innings. Despite the brief appearance, the opportunity marked an important milestone in his career.
Promising name from domestic circuit
Parakh is a left-handed batter who has impressed in age-group and domestic cricket, earning attention for his performances at the state level. His selection in the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026 underlines the franchise’s focus on nurturing young talent for the future.
Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.
His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.
Domestic cricket background
Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.
While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.
Bowling style and strengths
Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:
Maintaining a disciplined line and length
Ability to generate movement off the pitch
Effectiveness in short, impactful spells
His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.
Breakthrough IPL moment
Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.
A promising start
Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.
Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.
The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.
Strong performances boost selection chances
Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.
Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.
Could become youngest India debutant
If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.
The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.
Future tours also on radar
Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.
APN News is today the most watched and the most credible and respected news channel in India. APN has been at the forefront of every single news revolution. The channel is being recognized for its in-depth, analytical reportage and hard hitting discussions on burning issues; without any bias or vested interests.