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On Saturday, June 1, Dinesh Karthik officially announced retirement from playing representative cricket in a heartfelt post on his official Instagram account. The 39-year-old went on to thank all of his “coaches, captains, selectors, teammates and members of the support staff,” along with the fans, who made his career “pleasant and enjoyable.”
The last appearance for Dinesh Karthik in the Indian jersey came against Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 match at the Adelaide Oval. During his illustrious career, the wicket-keeper batsman made 180 appearances across all formats for the Indian cricket team, with his most famous achievement being the six on the last ball in the final of the Nidahas Trophy 2018, to win the title against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka.
In his franchise career, Dinesh Karthik was exceptional for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the last three seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The success in the IPL helped propel DK to a spot in the Indian cricket team for the T20 World Cup 2022, which turned out to be his last assignment in international cricket.
Over the last year or so, the Tamil Nadu-born cricketer has successfully ventured into the world of cricket commentary. The fans will be getting more of him behind the mic, talking cricket all over the world for years and years to come.
Below is the retirement post from Dinesh Karthik on his official Instagram account, which is also accompanied by a video of his cherished memories:
“I've been overwhelmed by the affection, support and love I have received in the last few days. My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible.
Having given it plenty of thought for sometime now, I have decided to move on from playing representative cricket. I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead.
I'd like to thank all my coaches, captains, selectors, teammates and members of the support staff who have made this long journey pleasant and enjoyable. Among the millions that play the sport in our country, I consider myself among the lucky few to have had the chance to represent the nation, and luckier still to have earned the goodwill of so many fans and friends.
My parents have been pillars 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.”
