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Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, brought his illustrious IPL career to a close on Wednesday (May 22) after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)‘s loss in the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Guard of honour for retiring Dinesh Karthik
Karthik represented six teams during his IPL career – RCB, Gujarat Lions, Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
The 38-year-old, who will, however, forever be considered an RCB legend, received a heartwarming tribute from his team. As he walked off the field for the final time, his teammates lined up to give him a Guard of Honour, acknowledging his significant contributions.
Following the match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, a heartfelt embrace was shared between Karthik and former RCB captain Virat Kohli, further solidifying the camaraderie within the teammates.
Several videos of this emotional moment, showcasing the applause and well-wishes from fans and teammates alike, quickly went viral on social media.
From #RCB to Dinesh Karthik ❤️ #TATAIPL | #RRvRCB | #TheFinalCall | #Eliminator | @RCBTweets | @DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/p2XI7A1Ta6
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 22, 2024
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Rajasthan Royals hold nerve to beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator | IPL 2024
Dinesh Karthik getting guard of honour from RCB and the crowd chanting ‘DK, DK’.
– The most emotional video. 🥹💔 pic.twitter.com/XZ3WmbO5Ne
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 22, 2024
The final walk of Dinesh Karthik.💔
– THANK YOU, DK. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/XKeu9r8l4r
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) May 22, 2024
A decorated IPL career comes to an end
Karthik leaves the IPL as a true legend. He retires as the 10th highest run scorer in the league’s history, boasting an impressive tally of 4842 runs. Behind the stumps, he stands as the second-best wicketkeeper with 174 dismissals (137 catches and 37 stumpings), only surpassed by the legendary MS Dhoni (190 dismissals).
Furthermore, Karthik ties with Rohit Sharma for the second-most appearances in IPL history, having played a staggering 257 T20 matches.
Also READ: Lesser-known facts about Dinesh Karthik’s wife Dipika Pallikal
Karthik’s retirement marks the end of an era for RCB and the IPL as a whole. His passion, leadership, and impactful performances will undoubtedly be missed.