Royal Challengers Bengaluru were eliminated from the IPL 2024 after losing the Eliminator to Rajasthan Royals. It also marked the end of Dinesh Karthik’s illustrious career in the league. Though Karthik did not make an official announcement, the post-match scenes made it clear that Karthik’s journey in the IPL had come to an end.
As DK made his way off the field, the handshakes from Rajasthan Royals players were firmer than usual, and the hugs he received from Dhruv Jurel and Kumar Sangakkara felt warmer. Though the walk to the dressing room seemed to stretch on endlessly, the pleasantries and warmth from both his teammates and opponents persisted, accompanying him as he slowly made his way towards the dressing room.
RCB icon Virat Kohli embraced a visibly emotional Dinesh Karthik, whose valiant efforts had just fallen short. Though a strong man, Karthik struggled to hold back tears as the crowd’s rousing “DK, DK” chants filled the air. The sight of RCB players allowing Karthik to lead them off the field was a heartening moment, a testament to the respect he had earned from his teammates.
Karthik removed his keeping gloves and waved to the enthusiastic fans who had risen to their feet. Symbolically, he bid them farewell with the gloves in hand rather than the bat as he is a wicket-keeper first and foremost. Despite his remarkable batting prowess, he had remained a team playe over the course of his illustrious career. Karthik rightfully earned every ounce of praise he received on this occasion.
Karthik concluded his IPL career with 4,842 runs in 257 matches—tied for second highest with Rohit Sharma. He also smashed 22 half-centuries.
Dinesh Karthik’s illustrious IPL career spanned 17 seasons, during which he played for six different franchises in the cash-rich league. He made his debut in the inaugural 2008 season with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), before going on to represent Punjab in 2011, followed by stints with the Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
In IPL 2024, he piled 326 runs in 15 matches at an average of 36.22, and a strike rate of 187.36.