Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player, Dinesh Karthik, a veteran wicketkeeper-batsman, holds a unique record in the IPL – playing for six different franchises! From RCB to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), his journey has been a colorful one. However, there’s one glaring omission on his resume – Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
This is surprising for a couple of reasons. Firstly, CSK is tied for the most IPL titles and is also Dinesh Karthik’s home team, hailing from Tamil Nadu. Secondly, CSK has repeatedly bid for him at auctions, but MS Dhoni’s presence as their first-choice wicketkeeper since 2008 has always been the hurdle.
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Adding a touch of humor to this unfulfilled dream, a recent social media exchange went viral. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, ahead of their crucial clash against RCB (Karthik’s team), playfully asked Dinesh Karthik on Instagram, “Next IPL franchise? CSK?” Karthik, known for his wit, replied, “Role Definition Please, Skipper?”
Dinesh Karthik’s latest Instagram story on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s question. pic.twitter.com/UxYn0uSFqi
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) May 17, 2024
This exchange highlights Dinesh Karthik’s long-standing desire to play for CSK. Interestingly, he’s been a constant in the IPL since its inception in 2008, missing just a couple of matches. He’s one of only four players to have crossed the 250-match mark and boasts the third-highest number of appearances.
However, recent hints suggest the 2024 season might be his last. With his last India appearance in November 2022 and a burgeoning commentary career, retirement might be on the horizon. Will he ever don the yellow of CSK? Only time will tell, but this unfulfilled dream adds another layer to Karthik’s remarkable IPL story.
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In terms of head-to-head statistics, CSK has a clear upper hand, having won their last three matches against RCB and five out of the last six encounters. Only Mumbai Indians have more wins against a single opponent (23 against Kolkata Knight Riders) than CSK’s 21 wins against RCB, underscoring the Super Kings’ dominance in this rivalry. This historical advantage, coupled with their current form, makes CSK a formidable opponent for RCB in this crucial match.
