Dinesh Karthik concluded his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career as the joint second-most capped player, alongside Rohit Sharma, by playing his 257th IPL match. Unfortunately for him and his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the season ended in disappointment with a four-wicket defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, which resulted in RCB crashing out of the tournament.
Dinesh Karthik’s final IPL appearance on May 22, 2024, took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In this high-stakes match, the Rajasthan Royals successfully chased down a target of 173 runs, thereby securing their place in Qualifier 2.
Following the heartbreaking loss, Karthik received warm congratulations from opposition players, acknowledging what is likely the end of his remarkable IPL career. The moment was further marked by the cheers of more than 85,000 spectators chanting ‘DK, DK’ to honour the contributions of the veteran cricketer from Tamil Nadu.
WATCH – Virat Kohli’s Heartbreaking Exit As RCB Falls To Rajasthan Royals
Over his extensive career, the 38-year-old Karthik has played for six different teams in the IPL, including Gujarat Lions, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He had announced earlier that the 17th edition of the tournament would be his final season. By the end of the 2024 season, Karthik had accumulated 4,842 runs in the league with an average of 26.32 and a strike rate of 135.36.
Dinesh Karthik getting guard of honor from RCB
The crowd is chanting ‘DK, DK’, one final time…16 years 6 Teams and it comes to an end today
End of an era 💔#DineshKarthik #IPL #CricketTwitter #RRvRCB #RCBvsRR #RCBvRR pic.twitter.com/rOp4ORJwBO— Praneet Samaiya (@praneetsamaiya) May 22, 2024
RCB’s journey in IPL 2024 was a rollercoaster, beginning with seven losses in their first eight games. However, they managed an incredible turnaround by winning six consecutive matches to secure a playoff spot.
In the crucial Eliminator match, RCB’s captain, Faf du Plessis, lost the toss, and the team was put in to bat first. They managed to score 172/8 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to significant contributions from Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Mahipal Lomror. Rajasthan Royals showcased disciplined bowling, with Avesh Khan taking three important wickets.
ALSO READ: Riyan Parag is top class batter, says R Ashwin
During the chase, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag provided fluent innings, setting the stage for West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell to guide the Royals to victory with an over to spare. With this win, RR advanced to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2, scheduled for May 24 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This high-octane match will determine who will move on to the final to compete against Kolkata Knight Riders for the championship.
