Reports: Dinesh Karthik likely to retire from IPL after 2024 season.

March 7, 2024March 7, 2024 Dipanshu Thakur 38 ViewsCricket Bazz, cricket updates, Dinesh Karthik, IPL 2024

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, is gearing up for what could potentially be his final cricketing chapter with a significant role in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Recent reports suggest that alongside his IPL commitments, Karthik is contemplating his future in international cricket, indicating that a decision may be imminent.

Karthik’s association with the IPL dates back to its inaugural season in 2008, where he kickstarted his journey with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). Remarkably, he joins the elite group of players who have participated in every season since the inception of the tournament, sharing this distinction with cricketing luminaries such as MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Wriddhiman Saha, and Manish Pandey. Demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout his 16-season tenure, Karthik has missed merely two matches.

Upon joining RCB in 2022, Karthik made an immediate impact with stellar performances, amassing 330 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 55 and a blistering strike rate of 183.33. His contributions were instrumental in RCB’s journey to the playoffs despite falling short in the second qualifier. However, subsequent seasons witnessed fluctuations, notably in 2023, where he struggled to replicate his earlier success, managing only 140 runs at an average of just over 11.

This stint with RCB marks Karthik’s second tenure with the franchise, having previously represented them in 2015. Throughout his IPL career, he has showcased his versatility by donning the colors of six different teams, including Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB. With an impressive tally of 4516 runs in 240 matches at an average of nearly 26, coupled with 133 dismissals, including 36 stumpings, Karthik has solidified his status as one of the stalwarts of the IPL.