Dinesh Karthik retires from all forms of cricket, says 'I have decided to move on'

Dinesh Karthik retires from all forms of cricket, says 'I have decided to move on'

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik on June 1 announced retirement from all forms of cricket.

The Chennai-born cricketer was only 19 when he made his India debut in an ODI against England at Lord's in September 2004.

It's official

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Thanks
DK pic.twitter.com/NGVnxAJMQ3

— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 1, 2024

Last month, the Eliminator between his Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals ended up being Karthik's swansong at IPL, bringing down curtains on a 20-year-old career marked by a series of comebacks across formats.

He played 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 60 T20s over two decades.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup squad announcement, Karthik forced himself into the selection debate for the wicket-keeper batter's role with head-turning performances for RCB but that one final comeback wasn't meant to be as selectors rightly went for younger talent.

"I've been overwhelmed by the affection, support and love I have received in the last few days. My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible," Karthik said in his statement X platform (formerly Twitter).

"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."

Karthik played for as many as six teams in the IPL since the tournament's inception in 2008.

"I'd like to thank all my coaches, captains, selectors, teammates and members of the support staff who have made this 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," Karthik further said.