Michael Vaughan could not resist poking fun at Dinesh Karthik ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup final after the former Indian cricketer performed his well-known pre-match ritual.
India are preparing for the tournament’s biggest game, where they will face New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
But before the action even started, Vaughan decided to have some fun with Karthik’s superstition.
Michael Vaughan jokes about Dinesh Karthik’s ritual before the T20 World Cup final
Michael Vaughan on X took a playful swipe after seeing Karthik carry out his unusual pre-final routine.
“You need to use that iron on the pitch DK… India likes a flat track,” Vaughan tweeted.
The comment referred to India’s preference for batting-friendly surfaces, with Vaughan joking that Karthik’s ironing skills might also help prepare the pitch.
The England great’s post quickly gained traction online as fans recognised the reference to Karthik’s famous ritual.
With the T20 World Cup final approaching, even small traditions like this have become part of the build-up.
Dinesh Karthik believes the ironing ritual brings India luck
Karthik has previously joked that ironing his shirt before big matches is his way of helping the Indian team.
The former wicketkeeper, who retired from international cricket in 2022, has continued to stay involved around the team as a commentator and mentor.
Before several finals, he has shared images or videos of himself pressing his shirt as a lighthearted superstition.
Karthik has often suggested that once the shirt is perfectly ironed, his job is done and the players can take care of the rest on the field.
With India preparing to face New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the ritual has once again resurfaced as part of the pre-match narrative.
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