End Of An Era: Dinesh Karthik Calls Time On Cricket Career

Former Indian Wicket-Keeper and batter Dinesh Karthik officially announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Saturday, June 1.

Karthik last featured on the field was for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator round of the Tata IPL against the Rajasthan Royals.

DK Hangs Up his boots

Karthik Announced his decision on his X( Formerly known as Twitter)

Karthik in his Retirement post stated:

"I've been overwhelmed by the affection with the support and love I got in the last few days my sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible".

"Having given plenty of thought for some time now, I've decided to move on from representative Cricket, I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I look forward to new challenges that lie ahead".

"I'd like to thank all my captains, coaches, selectors, teammates, and support staff members who have made this long journey pleasant and enjoyable, among the millions who play the sport in our country, I consider myself as lucky to have represented the nation, and luckier still to have earned the goodwill of many so fans and friends"

"My parents are my pillar 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"

''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."

Karthik played 94 ODI's, 60 T20Is, and 26 tests for India in a career that spanned 2 decades, he first represented India in an ODI game against England at Lord's in September 2004. Karthik's career was largely overshadowed due to MS Dhoni's presence in the team. This ensured Karthik was consistently in and out of the side.

However, Karthik transformed himself into a lower-order finisher in T20 Cricket, this helped him earn a recall into the side for the T20 World Cup 2022. After having a stellar season with RCB in the very same year, Karthik in 401 T20 games scored 7407 runs, scoring 34 half-centuries at a strike rate of 137, In his IPL career Karthik took part in 257 games, he played for Delhi Daredevils(Now Delhi Capitals), Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, now defunct Gujarat Lions, before moving to RCB to write his last chapter in Cricket.