Dinesh Karthik to retire from IPL after 2024 season: Report
Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik is set to retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the upcoming 2024 season, as per ESPNcricinfo. The report also suggests that the 38-year-old could soon take a call on his international future as well. Notably, Karthik will serve Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming tournament, starting on March 22. Here are further details.
A look at Karthik's IPL career in numbers
Karthik (242) is the third-most capped player in the cash-rich league, with MS Dhoni (250) and Rohit Sharma (243) occupying the top two spots. He has amassed 4,516 runs at 25.8 while striking at 132.71. He has pummeled 20 fifties. Also, Karthik has bagged 133 catches and affected 36 stumpings. He has seven Player of the Match awards to show.
Karthik belongs to this elite list
Karthik is among the only seven players to have featured in every season of the IPL since the inaugural edition in 2008. MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Wriddhiman Saha, and Manish Pandey are the others on this elite list. It must be noted that Karthik has missed just two matches in 16 seasons. He debuted with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).
Karthik's poor returns in the 2023 season
While Karthik enjoyed a dream IPL 2022 with RCB, he had a forgettable campaign last year. The veteran, who was the designated finisher, could only manage 140 runs at an average of just over 11. In contrast, he was at his best in the 2022 season. Karthik scored 330 runs in IPL 2022 at an average of 55 and an explosive strike-rate of 183.33.
Karthik has been a part of six IPL teams
The 2024 season will be Karthik's third season with RCB in this stint. He represented the Challengers in the 2015 competition as well. He has been a part of five other IPL teams namely Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals 2008-14), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings - 2011), Mumbai Indians (2012-13), Gujarat Lions (2016-17), Knight Riders (2018-21).
Karthik last played for India in 2022
A dream IPL 2022 revived Karthik's international career as he earned a recall to India's T20I team. However, he did not play for the national side after that year's ICC T20 World Cup. Karthik racked up 686 runs in 60 T20Is at a strike rate of 142.61 (50: 1). He recorded 30 catches and eight stumpings in the format.
Karthik has settled his feet as a broadcaster
Though Karthik is still an active cricketer, he has already settled as a broadcaster. In 2021, Karthik worked as an expert for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. He has since been a part of several prominent series as a commentator. He is also a part of the commentary team in the ongoing in the India-England Test series.
