Indian wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik showed a glimpse of his finishing abilities once again during September 23’s rain-curtailed 2nd T20I against Australia.
Coming in to bat with just 13 needed off 7, Karthik smacked 10* off 2 (1 six and 1 four) to help the Men in Blue cruise to a much-needed win.
Even if you keep this 2-ball blitzkrieg aside, Dinesh Karthik has played a couple of unreal blinders in past games (41* off 19, 55 off 27 and 30* off 21) as well, making him a sure-shot starter for Team India in the 2022 T20 World Cup that begins in October.
However, that isn’t the topic of discussion here. This article concerns the unique design of the helmet that DK wears and the reasons behind his choice.
Dinesh Karthik’s antique helmet
The design of the helmet that Dinesh Karthik wears is something that attracts attention whenever he keeps, or comes out to bat.
The 37-year-old sensation sports a rather rather unique looking helmet that resembles the ones used in Baseball and American Football games. There’s no bulge at the centre and it isn’t sphere-shaped.
Obviously, Karthik’s gear has additional metal grills for protection against the leather ball.
Nonetheless, there are some potential reasons as to why Dinesh Karthik chooses to don these over standard ones. For starters, Dinesh’s helmets are more ergonomic and lighter, allowing better head movement, running and a better fit on the head.
In addition, the small openings at the top, the sides and the back provide better sweat release and ventilation.
India’s new cool-blue Jersey has resulted in a change in the helmet color. Karthik’s helmet now stands out more than ever, shining like a blue sun when the floodlights kiss its glossy surface, thus giving the perception of the DK having built an igloo around his head.
Dinesh Karthik aside, a handful of other cricketers including James Taylor, Stuart Broad, Rahul Tripathi, and Kumar Sangakkara have sported similar-styled cricket helmets in the past.
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To go a little wayward, such helmets also look better (to me) and these players daring to ditch the normal helmet makes them come off as true and courageous alpha males.