In a poignant conclusion to his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Dinesh Karthik played his last match in the tournament, bowing out with a defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator clash on Wednesday.
After signalling that this IPL season would mark his farewell from the league, Karthik, a seasoned wicket-keeper batter, received a heartfelt send-off from his teammates following the match in Ahmedabad. While Karthik remained silent on his retirement plans, the league’s official broadcaster, Jio Cinema, took to social media to confirm the news.
The emotional scene at the stadium saw Karthik removing his gloves to acknowledge the fans, while RCB players expressed gratitude to the spectators. Notably, a touching moment unfolded as RCB captain Virat Kohli embraced Karthik, who visibly struggled to contain his emotions.
As Karthik made his way back to the dressing room, his teammates formed a guard of honour, symbolizing respect for his contribution to the league. Karthik’s IPL journey spanned an impressive 17 years, during which he showcased his prowess as one of the finest finishers in T20 cricket.
Throughout his career, Karthik amassed 4,842 runs in 257 matches, embellished with an impressive tally of 22 half-centuries. Having represented six franchises over the years, including Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB, Karthik leaves behind a lasting legacy in the IPL.
In the current season, Karthik concluded his IPL stint with 326 runs in 15 matches, boasting an average of 36.22 and an enviable strike rate of 187.36. As fans bid farewell to a cricketing icon, Karthik’s retirement marks the end of an era in the world’s most popular T20 league.
