Dinesh Karthik officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday (June 1).
Karthik’s last competitive appearance was for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2024 Eliminator last month, and his final international match was representing India in the 2022 T20 World Cup group game against Bangladesh.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the affection, support, and love I have received in the last few days.
My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible,” Karthik said in his retirement note posted on X.
“Having given it plenty of thought for some time now, I have decided to move on from playing representative cricket.
I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead.”
Following RCB’s loss in the Eliminator, resulting in their exit from the IPL, Karthik received a guard of honor from his teammates, signaling his imminent retirement.
The wicketkeeper-batter later confirmed the news to Cricpulse in an exclusive interview.
Karthik represented India in 26 Tests, 94 ODIs, and 60 T20Is over nearly two decades since his debut in the 50-overs format against England at Lord’s in September 2004.
Despite being overshadowed by MS Dhoni for much of his career, Karthik carved a niche for himself as a white-ball finisher, earning a national recall for the 2022 World Cup on the back of a stellar IPL season with RCB.
Across 401 T20 appearances, Karthik amassed 7407 runs, including 34 half-centuries, at a strike rate of nearly 137.
In his 257-game IPL career, representing KKR, MI, Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, and RCB, he scored a total of 4842 runs at an average of 26.32.
“I’d like to thank all my coaches, captains, selectors, teammates, and members of the support staff who have made this long journey pleasant and enjoyable.
Among the millions that play the sport in our country, I consider myself among the lucky few to have had the chance to represent the nation, and luckier still to have earned the goodwill of so many fans and friends.
“My parents have been my pillars of strength and support over all these years, and I wouldn’t be what I am without their blessings.
I also owe plenty to Dipika, herself a professional sportsperson who often put her career on hold to walk my journey with me,” Karthik added in his retirement note.
“Of course, to all the fans and followers of our great game, a massive thank you! Cricket and cricketers wouldn’t be the same without your support and good wishes.”
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