‘19 Years, 8 Months & 27 Days Later…’: Dinesh Karthik Officially Announces Retirement

In what has been a remarkable career filled with resilience spanning across two decades, one of India’s finest wicketkeeper-batters, Dinesh Karthik has decided to call time on his career leaving behind a legacy which will be inspirational for the generations to come.

At about 17 years old, Dinesh went on to make his first-class debut for his state Tamil Nadu and it did not take him long to get the national call-up. In just two years, he made his debut for the country at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in England in 2004.

Despite fighting with MS Dhoni for the designated wicketkeeper role in the national side, DK went on to make a legacy of his own. He was also part of the Indian squad that won the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007

His most iconic knock came in much later in the Nidahas Twenty20 Tri-Series final against Bangladesh in 2017 where he smashed the maximum in the final delivery to give India the win.

However, his career was one where he had to constantly evolve to meet the demands of the team. There was a time when he was asked to open the batting during India’s tour of England in 2007 where he replaced Virender Sehwag as the opener in the Test series. From coming at the top of the order he has once again evolved to being the designated finisher in T20 cricket and has performed remarkably in the role.

Having been part of the Indian Premier League since its inception, DK has struggled to find a place he called home unlike most of the top Indian international stars.

After being part of the league for 17 years and representing six franchises, the keeper-batter finally decided to hang up his boots. He leaves the tournament with 4842 runs, 22 half-centuries, 145 catches and 37 stumpings to his credit.

From an international perspective, Dinesh hangs up his boots having won the T20 World Cup back in 2007. He also represented the country with 180 appearances, 3463 runs and 172 dismissals to his name.

DK posted a heartfelt note regarding his announcement where he first thanked all the fans. He said,” My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible.

There were many reports and suggestions that he would call time on his career with him receiving a huge round of applause by the fans when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru were eliminated in IPL 2024.

“Having given it plenty of thought for some time now, I have decided to move on from playing representative cricket. I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead,” he added.

He also thanked many other key figures in his cricketing career who have made his journey a reality and he considers himself lucky to have represented the country and to be loved by many.

READ MORE: How Dinesh Karthik’s ‘Honest Explanation’ Helped a Struggling Virat Kohli in 2022

“I’d like to thank all my coaches, captains, selectors, teammates and members of the support staff who have made this long journey pleasant and enjoyable. Among the millions that play the sport in our country, I consider myself among the lucky few to have had the chance to represent the nation, and luckier still to have earned the goodwill of so many fans and friends,” he wrote.

Most importantly, DK also thanked his family for their long-standing support and also mentioned his wife, Dipika Pallikal Karthik for the sacrifices she made in her own professional career to support his cause.

“My parents have been pillars of strength and support over all these years, and I wouldn’t be what I am without their blessings. I also owe plenty to Dipika, herself a professional sportsperson who often put her career on hold to walk my journey with me”.

Dinesh Karthik ended his note with a final thank you to his biggest fans.

READ MORE: ‘When Dinesh Karthik Almost Retired in 2014’: Former Teammate Reveals DK’s Need of Perceived Pressure

“Of course, to all the fans and followers of our great game, a massive thank you! Cricket and cricketers, wouldn’t be the same without your support and good wishes,” he concluded.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where DK played for 4 years across 2 stints, responded to DK’s retirement post thanking him for all the wonderful memories he has provided for the franchise in red.

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