SRH vs RR: Watch- Rajasthan Royals pay a HEART-TOUCHING tribute to Dinesh Karthik following his retirement
Published - 23 May 2024, 04:34 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:50 PM
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) paid tribute to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Rajasthan Royals shared a heartwarming post on social media, acknowledging Dinesh Karthik's significant contributions to the league.
RCB's IPL 2024 campaign ended with a four-wicket loss against the Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, May 22. Dinesh Karthik managed to score 11 runs off 13 balls as RCB scored 172 runs. RR chased down the target with four wickets and one over to spare.
Dinesh Karthik earlier hinted that the IPL season would be his final one. He retired from the 2024 edition after Royal Challengers Bangalore's recent loss. While the 38-year-old didn't confirm his IPL retirement, he received a guard of honor from his RCB teammates, followed by applause from the RR players.
JioCinema, the digital broadcaster of the IPL, paid tribute to Dinesh Karthik on their official X account. They highlighted his one IPL trophy with the Mumbai Indians (MI) during the 2013 season. They also mentioned that he ranks second in dismissals behind the stumps and third in appearances in IPL history.
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Thank You, Dinesh Karthik - Rajasthan Royals
Dinesh Karthik received a guard of honor from his teammates as he walked back toward the dugout after the Rajasthan Royals defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The wicketkeeper-batter struggled to contain his emotions in front of the crowd during his final appearance in the cash league.
After the 38-year-old entered the RCB dugout, RR players were seen applauding him, acknowledging his significant contributions to the IPL. Rajasthan Royals' official social media account shared a video of this gesture with the caption, "Thank you, Dinesh Karthik. Well fought, RCB."
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— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) M<!---->a<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4
Dinesh Karthik is the 10th-highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament. The right-handed batter amassed 4,842 runs in 257 matches at an average of 26.31 and a strike rate of 135.42. He scored 22 half-centuries, with the best score of 97*. Karthik clinched an IPL title with the Mumbai Indians in 2013.
Has Been Really Special - Dinesh Karthik
The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer has been an asset for RCB, amassing 937 runs in 60 matches at an average of 24.65 and a strike rate of 162.95. In the ongoing season, he scored 326 runs in 13 innings at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 187.35, including two half-centuries, with a highest score of 83.
At the post-match press conference, Andy Flower expressed admiration for Dinesh Karthik's impact in the IPL 2024 season. Flower hoped for success for Karthik in various roles, like coaching and commentary, due to his versatile skills and willingness to help others.
"What he (Karthik) has done for us -- runs-wise, attitude-wise -- has been really special. I respect him for that. He is going to be super successful in whatever he goes on to. He is a brilliant commentator already. He quite likes the idea of coaching as well -- helping and working with other people, which I am not surprised about. I also think he might play a few more little tournaments along the way," Flower said.
