Karthik all praise for 'topper' Dhoni

Dinesh Karthik has become the toast of the nation with his 8-ball-29 against Bangladesh in the tri-series final but he still feels like a "student in an University where Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a topper", when it comes to the tag of a best finisher.

"When it comes to Dhoni -- I am studying in an university where he is the topper. He is one of the guys I have always looked up to. It is unfair to compare me with him," Karthik told mediapersons, here on Tuesday.

Interestingly, Karthik made his international debut in September 2004 during Champions Trophy in England, three months before Dhoni's debut against Bangladesh in a bilateral series in December.

In the next 14 years, Dhoni became India's most successful captain and one of its greatest limited overs exponent while Karthik struggled in the fringes, waiting for his chances.

"His (Dhoni) journey has been totally different and my journey is a different one. He is a terrific guy. He is somebody who used to be reserved, shy. Today, he is a person, who is really vocal in helping the youngsters. I feel these comparisons are very unfair. As I said, he is probably a topper in an university, where I am studying. I am just happy in the space I am in," Karthik said.

Having been around for a decade and a half, Karthik is finally enjoying his time under spotlight, something he has so richly deserved. He attributes it to his good karma and divine intervention.

"It feels good that all the attention is on me. All the good karma and good things I have done over the years helped me hit that six."

The feeling is yet to sink in and Karthik admitted it.

"It is hard for me to put in words. I am just happy to play this sport. When you play domestic cricket, it is a hard grind, To suddenly get so much attention feels so good but you also know that you want this to be a start of something special," he added.