India’s Dinesh Karthik announces retirement from all formats of cricket

Days after announcing retirement from the Indian Premier League tournament, ace Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik on 1 June announced retirement from all formats of cricket. He last played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2024 Eliminator on 22 May. 

He took to X and wrote, "Its' official. Thank DK (sic)", followed by an emotional note and a video.

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 10 squads, India vs Pakistan match details and more

In the note, Karthik wrote, "I have been overwhelmed by the affection, support and love I have received in the past few days. My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible."

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2024 full schedule: Check dates, venues, timing, livestreaming details and more

He added, "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."

In the letter, the right-handed wicketkeeper batter expressed thanks to his coaches, captains, selectors, teammates and members of the support staff who have made his 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."

Apart from this, he expressed his gratitude towards his parents for being the pillar of strength and support over all these years. Also, he thanked his wife Dipika Pallikal – an Indian professional squash player – for putting her career on hold to walk with him.

ALSO READ: India favourites to win T20 World Cup 2024? Eoin Morgan says Rohit Sharma's team ‘can beat anybody’

"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," he ended.

DK stats for India:

In Tests: Between 2004-2018, DK played 26 Tests, scored 1025 runs at an average of 25. His highest was 129 runs and scored 1 century.

In ODIs: Between 2014-2019, DK played 94 ODIs for India, where he scored 1752 runs at an average of 39. His highest score is 79.

In T20s: Between 2006-2022, DK played 60 T20Is for India and scored 686 runs and his highest was 55 runs. His average was 26.38.

IPL: Between 2008-2024, DK played 257 IPL matches and scored 4842 runs at an average of 26.32. His highest score is 97 runs.