Dinesh Karthik bids farewell to IPL, Virat Kohli gives emotional hug
The IPL 2024 season ended on a bittersweet note for Dinesh Karthik. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fell short of the championship trophy and it also marked the retirement of their beloved player, Dinesh Karthik. Though there wasn’t an official announcement, the emotional farewell from his teammates and the post-match scenes painted a clear picture.
Karthik’s exit wasn’t just a loss for RCB, it signified the end of an era for the entire IPL. He was one of the only 7 players to have participated in every season since the league’s inception in 2008.
The post-match scenes at the Narendra Modi stadium were very emotional. The handshakes with the Rajasthan Royals players lingered a bit longer, the hugs from teammates were a touch tighter. A guard of honor from his RCB colleagues spoke volumes about the respect he earned.
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Leading the farewell brigade was Virat Kohli, who shared a warm embrace with an emotional Karthik. The crowd erupted in a chorus of “DK, DK” chants, a fitting tribute to his contribution.
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While Dinesh Karthik couldn’t deliver the IPL trophy for RCB, his last three seasons with the franchise were phenomenal. At the age of 35, many had written him off after his release from Kolkata Knight Riders. But Karthik, known for his resilience, reinvented himself as a finisher, a player who thrives in the pressure of the final overs.
His exploits in IPL 2022, with 330 runs at a staggering strike rate of 183, show his transformation. This performance even earned him a call back to the Indian T20I side.
Dinesh Karthik had previously played for RCB in 2015 but had a challenging season. However, giving up wasn’t in his DNA. He persevered and went on to represent a total of six franchises throughout his career – Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and finally, Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Dinesh Karthik finishes his IPL career with an impressive 4,842 runs in 257 matches. He also boasts 22 fifties, showcasing his consistency as a batsman.
While the later years saw him flourish as a finisher, Karthik always identified as a wicket-keeper first. Even during his high-scoring seasons, his final farewell image with the keeping gloves was symbolic. It perfectly captured his cricketing journey – a player who adapted, excelled, and remained a valuable team player throughout.
Dinesh Karthik’s IPL career is a story of dedication and reinvention. He leaves the league with the respect of his peers, the adoration of fans, and a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. As the cheers of “DK, DK” fade, one thing remains clear – the IPL won’t be the same without him.
