Renowned Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik is reportedly gearing up for his final appearance in the IPL, with the 2024 edition set to commence on March 22. The 38-year-old, currently affiliated with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, has been a consistent presence in all 16 editions of the IPL since its inception in 2008, only missing two matches across 16 seasons. A source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed, on the condition of anonymity, that Karthik plans to make the 2024 IPL his last and will make decisions regarding his international retirement following the tournament.
Having played for six different teams in the IPL, Karthik’s journey began with the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) in 2008, followed by stints with Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, a lucrative return to Delhi in 2014, and subsequent spells with Gujarat Lions and the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Before the IPL 2022 season, Karthik was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders and acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the second time at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore. His impactful performance in 2022, particularly as a finisher, saw him score 330 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 55 and an explosive strike rate of 183.33, contributing significantly to RCB’s journey to the playoffs.
Karthik’s prolific form earned him a spot in the India squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. However, the team fell short in the semifinals against eventual champions England.
Apart from his on-field contributions, Karthik has also made a name for himself as a commentator, showcasing a lively and technically sound approach.
In his international career, which ran parallel to that of MS Dhoni as a wicketkeeper-batsman, Karthik played 26 Tests, scoring 1025 runs, and participated in 94 ODIs, accumulating 1752 runs. His last appearance for India was in a T20I against Bangladesh in 2022. Across 60 T20Is, he scored 686 runs and showcased his skills with 30 catches and 8 stumpings.
Karthik boasts an impressive IPL record, featuring in 242 matches since the inaugural edition, amassing 4516 runs at an average of 25.81 and a strike rate of 132.71, with 20 half-centuries. Additionally, he has contributed with 141 catches and 36 stumpings.
While speculation surrounds Karthik’s IPL retirement after the upcoming season, fans eagerly await his final stint in the tournament, marking the end of an illustrious and impactful career in the world of cricket.
