IPL2024: Robin Uthappa and R Ashwin, Dinesh Karthik's former colleagues, complimented him on an "incredible" career in the Indian Premier League. Following RCB's defeat by the Royals in the Eliminator in Ahmedabad on May 22, Karthik made a retirement hint.
Following RCB's devastating loss in the IPL 2024 Eliminator, admirers began to shower Dinesh Karthik with congratulations as he alluded to calling it a day to his illustrious Indian Premier League career. At the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday, Karthik was given a guard of honour by his teammates following RCB's 4-wicket defeat to Rajasthan, which put an end to their remarkable run.
Although Dinesh Karthik had declared before the season that IPL 2024 would be his final IPL, he did not formally announce his retirement from the IPL. Karthik did a circuit of the field to show his appreciation for the supporters following RCB's game on Wednesday. In a touching move, he gave Virat Kohli, who was leading the guard of honour, an emotional hug.
Following RCB's elimination, Robin Uthappa praised Dinesh Karthik in an interview with JioCinema, calling the Tamil Nadu batsman's IPL career "incredible." Karthik, who has participated in commentary stints, will have a dazzling future behind the microphone, according to Uthappa as well.
"Of course, he will have a long career behind the mic. What a stalwart of the game, of the IPL! He will be very emotional today. It's never easy to close down a career. To be able to do it, in front of his fans, in this run with the IPL with the kind of comeback that RCB have made. It's an absolute dream run," Uthappa stated.
"Congratulations DK. Incredible career. And there's one waiting for you on the other side of the mic," he noted.
With 4842 runs in 257 games, Dinesh Karthik is expected to conclude his IPL career with a respectable total that places him in the top 10 all-time list. Throughout his illustrious IPL career, Karthik has played for as many as six clubs. He finished with RCB, where he was an ideal finisher.
Notably, Karthik started doing commentary in 2021 and received recognition for his excellent performance in front of the camera. He returned to the senior national team in 2022 and participated in the T20 World Cup following an excellent season with the Royals.
"He has been fantastic in the box. As a commentator, he has been wonderful. I believe since he became a commentator, he has become a better player as well. I think you guys are egging him on in the comm box, and it's pushed him," his Tamil Nadu teammate R Ashwin noted, speaking to Star Sports after the match in Ahmedabad.
Dinesh Karthik demonstrated once more that age is just a number by finishing the IPL 2024 season with 326 runs at a strike rate of 187 in 15 matches.