IPL: Indian players who have never represented their hometown team

#3 Dinesh Karthik

Matches: 161, Runs: 3183, Average: 25.87, Strike Rate: 127.67, Fifties: 14, Catches: 93, Stumpings: 28

Teams played for: Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders

Dinesh Karthik has never been signed by Chennai Super Kings, due to Dhoni's presence

Dinesh Karthik has a stupendous record for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. He's been one of the best players in the domestic circuit for over a decade now. However, the wicket-keeper batsman has never donned the yellow of Chennai Super Kings in any of the eleven editions of the league due to the presence of MS Dhoni behind the stumps.

Dhoni's assured presence with the wicket-keeping gloves has meant that CSK have never made an attempt to sign Dinesh Karthik, especially since he is highly valued in the auction.

Karthik began his IPL career in Delhi Daredevils where he had three middling seasons, which was followed by a similar season at Kings XI Punjab in 2011. A move to Mumbai Indians in 2012 didn't really change his fortunes but he showed the world his class in 2013 as he scored 510 runs in a title-winning campaign.

Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore came out with massive bids to secure his services in 2014 and 2015 respectively, but they were left regretting their decision after Karthik once again failed to live up to his price tag. He was signed by new team Gujarat Lions in 2016, where enjoyed two good seasons.

He was bought for a massive price yet again this year by Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he was signed with the additional responsibility of being the skipper of the side. Karthik has had a great season so far- with the bat, behind the stumps and as a captain.