Dinesh Karthik, the veteran India wicketkeeper-batsman, is poised to make his final appearance in the upcoming 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), commencing on March 22. The 38-year-old, currently associated with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, intends to make a decision about his international retirement following his participation in the lucrative T20 league.
Karthik boasts an impressive IPL record, having featured in all 16 editions since the tournament’s inception in 2008. Remarkably, he has missed only two matches in 16 seasons, establishing himself as one of the most experienced wicketkeeper-batsmen in the league.
“This 2024 edition will be his (Dinesh Karthik’s) last IPL. He will decide his international retirement after the IPL,” a BCCI source informed PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Over the years, Karthik has played for six different teams, starting with the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) in 2008, moving to Kings XI Punjab in 2011, and subsequently having stints with Mumbai Indians and a return to Delhi in 2014 for a substantial ₹12.5 crore.
Dinesh Karthik’s IPL journey has been marked by moves across various franchises. After starting with Delhi Daredevils in 2008, he played for Kings XI Punjab in 2011 and Mumbai Indians in the following seasons. In 2014, he returned to Delhi Daredevils and was bought for a significant ₹12.5 crore. The following years saw him with Royal Challengers Bangalore (2015 for ₹10.5 crore), Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017, and then a four-season stint with Kolkata Knight Riders.
During his captaincy with Kolkata Knight Riders, Karthik led the team to the IPL playoffs in 2018, and they finished fifth in the points table in 2019. Ahead of IPL 2022, Karthik was released by KKR and reacquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹5.5 crore. In the 2022 season, he had an outstanding performance, playing the role of a finisher and contributing significantly.
Karthik scored 330 runs in 16 matches with an impressive average of 55 and an explosive strike-rate of 183.33, playing a crucial role in RCB’s journey to the playoffs. His stellar performance earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 held in Australia. Despite the team’s semifinal exit against England, Karthik’s contributions in the IPL and his selection for the national team highlighted his impactful presence in T20 cricket.
Dinesh Karthik has not only made a mark on the field but also off it, establishing himself as a commentator with his lively and insightful approach. His engaging commentary style reflects his deep understanding of the game.
In terms of his international playing career, Karthik had the challenge of competing with the legendary MS Dhoni as a wicketkeeper-batsman. In Test cricket, he made his debut in 2004 against Australia and played 26 matches until his last Test in 2018. During this period, he scored 1025 runs, affected 57 catches, and executed 6 stumpings.
In ODIs, Dinesh Karthik accumulated 1752 runs in 94 matches between 2004 and 2019, contributing with 64 catches and 7 stumpings. His last appearance for India was in a T20I against Bangladesh in 2022. Having made his T20I debut in 2006, Karthik scored 686 runs in 60 matches, along with 30 catches and 8 stumpings.
Notably, Dinesh Karthik has been a consistent performer in the IPL, featuring in 242 matches since the inaugural edition. He scored 4516 runs at an average of 25.81 and a strike rate of 132.71, including 20 half-centuries. His wicketkeeping skills are evident with 141 catches and 36 stumpings in the tournament.
Despite not being a part of the international setup, Karthik continued his association with the game by participating in the DY Patil T20 Cup in Navi Mumbai, showcasing his continued passion for cricket.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
