Dinesh Karthik, on Saturday evening, made it official that he is stepping down from all forms of cricket. Even though the speculations were already running wild, yet, the communique was awaited.

After a successful season in IPL 2024 that saw him smashing 326 runs at a strike rate of 187.36 and an average of 36.22, DK was given the guard of honour in RCB’s final game in the tournament which happened to be the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals.

His overall IPL career witnessed him playing 257 matches from which he scored 4842 runs at a strike rate of 135.36 and an average of 26.32. He smashed 22 half-centuries in the process and chronicled a highest score of 97*.

DK’s return to RCB saw him forging an absolute masterclass in finishing where he scored 330 runs in 2022 at a strike rate of 183.33. Despite a slump in 2023, he managed to rally himself back in 2024 and showcase his hard-hitting flair once again.

He is also one of the most successful keepers in IPL where his number of dismissals came right after MS Dhoni with 182 to his name, split into 145 catches and 37 stumpings.

He also forged a solid international career that saw him scoring 1752 runs from 94 ODIs while garnering 686 runs from 60 T20Is at a strike rate of 142.61. In the first ever T20I played by India against South Africa, it was Dinesh Karthik who won the Player of the Match award.

DK took to Instagram to confirm that it’s a goodbye from him, stating, “Having given it plenty of thought for sometime now, I have decided to move on from playing competitive cricket. I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead.”

We at RCB thank you for your incredible contributions to the sport and the franchise. We also wish you an amazing journey ahead and the best of luck in acing the upcoming challenges.