"I square up for new challenges" - Dinesh Karthik officially announces his retirement from representative cricket

India National Cricket Team keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The batter on Saturday (June 1st) made the announcement through a social media post and reflected on his journey.

Dinesh Karthik called time on his career after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 17th edition of the tournament and now the keeper-batter has made the official announcement, of retiring from international as well as domestic cricket.

Dinesh Karthik thanked all the fans for their support throughout his career. He said that he was lucky to represent his country and also extended his support to his family members as well as his fans and all those who were with him through thick and thin. Posting on Instagram, he said:

“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 l 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.”

It's official 💖

Thanks
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Dinesh Karthik's career over the years

Dinesh Karthik has been a great servant for the Indian team. The keeper-batter made his debut in 2004 and since then has been in and out of the team. One of the major highlights of his career has been the number of times he has made his comeback for the team. Dinesh Karthik's career over the years

Dinesh Karthik has been a great servant for the Indian team. The keeper-batter made his debut in 2004 and since then has been in and out of the team. One of the major highlights of his career has been the number of times he has made his comeback for the team.

Dinesh Karthik has played 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 60 T20Is between 2004 and 2022 and was part of some of the major wins for the team. He made his debut at the age of 19 in an ODIs against England at Lord’s and since then he has seen Indian cricket growing in leaps and bounds.

The keeper-batter scored 1025 runs in Tests, 1725 in ODIs and 686 in T20Is. He also won the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 with India. He played 257 in IPL, scoring 4,842 runs at an average of 26.32. He represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab and RCB in the league.