Dinesh Karthik was deeply emotional as his retirement from the IPL was confirmed. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had just lost the Eliminator to the Rajasthan Royals, ending their 2024 IPL campaign and marking the conclusion of Karthik’s illustrious career in the league.
Although Karthik didn’t make an official announcement, the post-match atmosphere made it clear. This match was his final appearance in an IPL jersey for any team. After the game, Karthik’s interactions were more heartfelt than usual. His handshakes with the Rajasthan Royals players were firmer, and the hugs from Dhurv Jurel and Kumar Sangakkara were warmer.
As he walked back to the dressing room, the journey felt particularly long, with each step at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad seemingly stretching time. His teammates and opponents showed him respect and affection as he slowly made his way towards the boundary line.
Dinesh Karthik’s Late-Career Resurgence and Determination in the IPL
Karthik’s best years in the IPL came later in his career. At 35, when many doubted his ability to find a new team after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders, he reinvented himself as a successful finisher. His impressive performance in the 2022 season, scoring 330 runs at a strike rate of 183.33, earned him a spot back on the Indian T20I team.
This was Karthik’s second stint with RCB. He first played for them in 2015 after being bought at auction for ₹10.5 crore but had a disappointing season, scoring only 141 runs in 16 matches. Despite this setback, Karthik’s determination never wavered. He continued to find ways to return to the league, becoming one of the few players to participate in every IPL season since its inception in 2008.
Fans Will Deeply Miss Dinesh Karthik’s Inspiring IPL Presence
Fans will undoubtedly miss Dinesh Karthik in the IPL. Known for his resilience and ability to reinvent himself, Karthik has been a beloved figure among cricket enthusiasts. His journey, marked by remarkable comebacks and memorable performances, especially his transformation into a reliable finisher in the later years, has inspired many.
See The Fans Reaction Here:
Well, the last 3 weeks were super exciting!! Thank you guys for the entertainment! Oh yeah, one trophy this year, hopefully 2 next year 😬#RCB And DK, you are a proper role model! Thank you for being you! @DineshKarthik we’ll miss you 😭
— Shreyanka Patil (@shreyanka_patil) May 22, 2024
Thank You Thala Dinesh Karthik 🚩❤️ https://t.co/8W7mAHUBNJ
— S A I (@iamsai494) May 24, 2024
A True Champion 🫡
— Yomahesh Vijayakumar (@yomi2105) May 24, 2024
Was fortunate enough to share the dressing room with @DineshKarthik for the first 3yrs at Delhi Daredevils out of the 17 long years!
A finisher who finished as an IPL Great 👏
Congrats & Wishing you all the very best for what’s to come from here on.
All… pic.twitter.com/rhKgCeAYBo
Grateful for the opportunity to play with and learn from one of the greatest minds in cricket. Your advice on my batting and your incredible work ethic have left a lasting impact. Wishing you all the best in your retirement @DineshKarthik bhai ❤️ pic.twitter.com/POwlwFic4m
— Rajat Patidar (@rrjjt_01) May 24, 2024
DK, We love you! ❤
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 24, 2024
Not often do you find a cricketer who’s loved by everyone around him. DK is one, because he was smart, humble, honest, and gentle! Celebrating @DineshKarthik's career with stories from his best friends and family! 🤗#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #WeLoveYouDK pic.twitter.com/fW3bLGMQER
Virat Kohli said "Hopefully Dinesh Karthik remains connected to RCB in one way or the other in the future because his expertise when it comes to cricket is priceless & adds great value to RCB franchise". pic.twitter.com/VFI1rLMUmq
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 24, 2024
Our time at @KKRiders and the incredible memories we created will always hold a special place in my heart. Best of luck in your next journey, @DineshKarthik bhai. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/oc3efJvd0H
— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) May 23, 2024
Dinesh Karthik holds the record for the most viewed cricket video ever on YouTube.
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) May 22, 2024
Happy Retirement DK 🫡pic.twitter.com/uLfD14CeNz
𝟐𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. Different teams, different roles, a hundred different memories. 𝟏 𝐃𝐊. 🫡💙#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians | @DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/dOLh4rG9YA
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 24, 2024
IPL Will Miss You, Dinesh Karthik. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yVc7okvILJ
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) May 23, 2024
257 matches. 4842 runs. 182 dismissals. Countless memories. 💙
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 24, 2024
While the curtains draw on an iconic IPL career, we wish @DineshKarthik the best of luck for his future endeavours 👏 pic.twitter.com/wK4zZUO91L
Virat Kohli said – "Hopefully Dinesh Karthik remains connected to RCB in one way or the other in the future because his expertise when it comes to cricket is priceless & great value to RCB franchise". pic.twitter.com/z8shhgtQUw
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) May 24, 2024
Thank you, Dinesh Karthik. Well fought, RCB. 👏💗 pic.twitter.com/hprFpN8D90
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 23, 2024
Unfortunately, sport is not a fairytale and our remarkable run in #IPL2024 came to an end. Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis and Dinesh Karthik express their emotions and thank fans for their unwavering support. ❤️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/FYygVD3UiC
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 23, 2024
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