As Royal Challengers Bengaluru got knocked out of the IPL 2024 Eliminator, it would probably mean the end for Dinesh Karthik’s cricket career. Karthik hinted he might have played his last Indian Premier League match after RCB lost the IPL 2024 Eliminator to Rajasthan on Wednesday. But there is no official announcement of retirement from the player yet.

However, Karthik took off his gloves and acknowledged the applause from the crowd after the heartbreaking defeat in the playoffs match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

DK on his retirement plan

Dinesh Karthik, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, had previously mentioned about the retirement from his cricketing career after the IPL 2024 season. Although he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, his demeanour during the Eliminator suggested otherwise.

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Meanwhile, Jio Cinema has already thanked Dinesh Karthik about the memories and shared a special poster on his IPL retirement.

An emotional response from crowd

As Karthik walked off the field amidst thunderous applause from the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, emotions ran high among fans and spectators. Moreover, one of the greatest finishers of IPL history, Dinesh Karthik also was seen receiving a Guard of Honour from his teammates.

Reflections on Karthik’s Career

Amid the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, Dinesh Karthik etched his name in the annals of IPL history by becoming the second-most capped player in the league, alongside Rohit Sharma.

Early years

Dinesh Karthik’s IPL journey began with the inaugural season 2008 when he donned the Delhi Daredevils jersey. His early years laid the foundation for a remarkable career in the league.

He started his IPL career with Delhi Capitals and played for them from IPL 2008 to 2010. He moved to Punjab Kings for a year and represented Mumbai Indians in IPL 2012 and 2013. Karthik returned to Delhi for a year in 2014. He had a one-year stint with RCB in 2015. Karthik was part of Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016 and 2017. He was part of Kolkata Knight Riders from IPL 2018 to 2021. The wicketkeeper-batsman led KKR from IPL 2018 to the middle of 2020. He was replaced by Eoin Morgan

One Last Time

Ahead of the 2022 edition of the league, Dinesh Karthik was released by KKR and was available for the IPL Mega Auction. He was bought by RCB for INR 5.5 crore. In the IPL 2022 mega-auction, Karthik returned to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp, marking his second stint with the franchise. His role as a finisher proved instrumental in RCB’s campaign.

In IPL 2024

Karthik played 15 matches in IPL 2024, scoring 326 runs at an average of 36.22. He struck at 187.36, pulling off the role of the finisher to perfection. He notched two half-centuries, hitting 27 fours and 22 maximums. With the glove, he took four catches and effected one stumping. Karthik played some memorable knocks during the campaign, but his best came against Sunrisers Hyderabad when he smashed 83 off 35 balls, albeit in a losing cause. In his last match, Karthik scored 11 off 13 deliveries as RCB posted 172 on board.

Karthik played 257 IPL matches, notching 4842 runs and remaining unbeaten 50 times, which is almost once every five innings. His average in the tournament has been a modest 26.32, but his strike rate has been fairly impressive at 135.36. He has scored 22 half-centuries, with the highest score of 97*. He scored 466 fours and 161 sixes, taking 145 catches and making 37 stump outs. His consistency and adaptability have earned him a revered status in the league. Karthik finished in the top 10 run-getters list in the history of the IPL.

He is the league’s second best wicketkeeper behind MS Dhoni with 174 dismissals – 145 catches, 37 stumpings. Dhoni heads with 190 dismissals – 148 catches, 42 stumpings.

Karthik formerly played for Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He also captained Kolkata Knight Riders between 2018 and 2020.

Dinesh Karthik’s Overall Stats

Dinesh Karthik’s Performance for Each Team

Most runs from No.4 or below in an IPL season
579 – Rishabh Pant (DC, 2018)
567 – Riyan Parag (RR, 2024)
538 – Rohit Sharma (MI, 2013)
513 – Glenn Maxwell (RCB, 2021)
498 – Dinesh Karthik (KKR, 2018)

Most ducks in the IPL
18 – Dinesh Karthik
18 – Glenn Maxwell
17 – Rohit Sharma
16 – Piyush Chawla
16 – Sunil Narine