Table of Contents
Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik is set to call time on his Indian Premier League (IPL) career after the upcoming season, reported ESPNCricinfo.
A long and illustrious IPL career:
Karthik, who will soon turn 39, has been a mainstay in the IPL since its inception in 2008. He is one of only seven players to have featured in every season of the league, alongside legendary figures like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Over the years, Karthik has represented several franchises, including Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), Punjab Kings (previously Kings XI Punjab), Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Gujarat Lions, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He lifted his only IPL title with MI in 2013.
Ups and downs in recent IPL seasons:
The past few years have seen Karthik’s IPL performance fluctuate. In the 2023 season with RCB, he struggled with just 140 runs in 13 matches. However, in 2022, he enjoyed a stellar season with the same team, scoring 330 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of over 183, which earned him a national team call-up for the T20 World Cup.
Also READ: 10 most beautiful women cricketers in WPL 2024 ft. Ellyse Perry
Future plans remain unclear:
While Karthik’s IPL future seems settled, his decision on international cricket remains unknown. He has represented India in 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 60 T20Is, scoring over 4,900 runs.
Beyond cricket, Karthik has already begun a career in commentary, and he may continue to explore that avenue after his retirement.
The upcoming IPL season, starting on March 22, will mark Karthik’s final chapter in the tournament. He will be looking to leave a lasting impression with his batting and wicketkeeping skills.