NEW DELHI:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
stalwart
Dinesh Karthik
has brought his remarkable Indian Premier League career to an end following RCB's defeat in the Eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.
Karthik, who had subtly hinted that this IPL season would be his last, was given a
guard of honour
by his teammates after the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, confirming the end of an era for the seasoned wicket-keeper batsman.
Karthik did not directly address his retirement after the game, but the news was confirmed by the league's broadcaster, Jio Cinema, through a heartfelt social media post. The post celebrated Karthik’s contributions to the IPL over his 16-year tenure, during which he became one of the league's finest finishers.
Karthik, visibly emotional, took off his gloves and acknowledged the fans while RCB players made a lap around the stadium, expressing gratitude for the support from their supporters.
A poignant moment unfolded when
Virat Kohli
embraced Karthik, who struggled to hold back tears. The RCB players then formed a guard of honour as Karthik walked back to the dressing room, a gesture that underscored the high esteem in which he is held by his peers.
Rajasthan Royals also paid tribute to Karthik with a social post, tanking the veteran cricketer. RR posted a video with a caption: "Thank you, Dinesh Karthik. Well fought, RCB."
Karthik concludes his IPL journey with an impressive record of 4,842 runs in 257 matches, including 22 half-centuries. His career, which began in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), saw him play for six different franchises: Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB.
This season, Karthik scored 326 runs in 15 matches at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 187.36, demonstrating his enduring skill and importance to his team.
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