Cricket

Veteran Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has hinted at a possible retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the end of the ongoing 2024 season. Karthik, who is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will see his contract expire at the conclusion of this season, as the competition will have a mega auction next.In a recent interview, Karthik discussed his possible future and took a sly dig at former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi for his multiple retirements and comebacks. "Unless you are Shahid Afridi (on retirement), but in most cases, once it's done, it's done," Karthik said.Karthik also revealed two big regrets of his IPL career: not being retained by Mumbai Indians in the 2014 season and never playing for Chennai Super Kings despite being a local boy. "I think I missed the opportunity; they were keen on me not playing for the Super Kings because I am from Chennai. They have always bid for me but could never get me," Karthik said.Karthik, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2018-20, admitted to having some "tough conversations" with spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who had to stay benched after taking just four wickets in nine games in the 2019 season. Karthik revealed that Yadav was not performing as well as he is now and that he had to be "honest" with him. He expressed happiness at Yadav's progress since then, saying that he has become a better bowler and a "world-beater."Karthik also spoke about the challenges of leading a franchise. "Leading a franchise is altogether a different job. There are many other cultures, and you will find it challenging to deal with other individuals. You can be very honest with them. As a leader, you will lose out on certain friendships," he said.

RCB Celebrates First IPL 2024 Win with Dressing Room FestivitiesRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) erupted in jubilation after securing their maiden victory of IPL 2024 in front of their home crowd. The dressing room transformed into a symphony of cheers, motivational speeches, and a rousing team song.Virat Kohli's scintillating 77, adorned with 11 boundaries and two maximums, propelled RCB to a thrilling four-wicket triumph over Punjab Kings on Monday. The former Indian skipper reached his 100th T20 half-century in just 31 deliveries, showcasing his impeccable form.RCB shared a captivating video of the post-match celebrations on their official Twitter handle, capturing the team's camaraderie and elation. The video highlighted the contributions of key players, including Dinesh Karthik's match-winning 28 off 10 deliveries, Mahipal Lomror's impactful innings, Mohammed Siraj's promising performance, and Yashasvi Jaiswal's consistent batting.Punjab Kings, batting first, were restricted to 176/6. RCB's bowlers, led by Siraj's two wickets, kept the opposition in check. The home team then chased down the target with four balls to spare, thanks to Kohli's masterclass and Karthik's finishing prowess.The victory marked a significant milestone for RCB, who had endured a disappointing start to the season. The team's performance was a testament to their resilience and determination, and the dressing room celebrations reflected their collective joy and relief.

Dinesh Karthik's Late Heroics Guide RCB to Thrilling Victory Over Punjab KingsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a remarkable four-wicket victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday, thanks to a scintillating knock from Dinesh Karthik.Chasing a challenging target of 177, RCB found themselves in a precarious position when Karthik came to the crease. However, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter displayed his trademark power-hitting prowess, smashing an unbeaten 28 off just 10 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.Karthik's blistering innings, coupled with Virat Kohli's solid 77 (49 balls), propelled RCB to victory with four balls to spare. The win was a crucial one for RCB, who had lost their previous two matches.Speaking after the match, Karthik admitted to feeling some rustiness but expressed satisfaction with his performance. He praised the contributions of his teammates, particularly Mahipal Lomror, who played a crucial role in the chase."Little bit (dusting off the rustiness). I wasn't completely in control, but getting there. We needed that (knock from Lomror), Anuj batted well last time, but when Mahipal walked out.. he took the pressure off me," Karthik said.Karthik also lauded the bowling of Harshal Patel, who picked up three wickets for RCB. He acknowledged Patel's skill and the challenges he poses to batsmen."He (Harshal) is a wily customer, he has the dipping slower one and if you missed that you are a goner, I had to wait to play the scoop. I didn't say anything, he (Lomror) was calm and when he hit that six, I just told him to keep a still head. If I start bowling then you can know what the situation would be for RCB," Karthik added.RCB's victory was a testament to their resilience and the impact of their experienced players. Karthik's late heroics and Kohli's consistent performances have been instrumental in RCB's resurgence this season.

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed his satisfaction with his performance in the IPL opener despite limited game and preparation time due to his commentary commitments. Since the last IPL, the only competitive cricket Karthik played was in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was on air during the recently concluded India-England Test series and admitted that finding training time in between his commentary duties was challenging.Karthik, who is playing his last IPL, made an unbeaten 38 off 26 balls to help RCB recover to 173 for six against CSK on Friday night. By his own admission, he was rusty in the middle. "It's been extremely challenging, doing a bit of commentary and to keep practicing cricket between Test matches and in between the time that I get, it's been a lot of hard work," Karthik told reporters after the game. "So, I am happy that Game 1 has gone positively for me, and it feels good to score some runs."The 38-year-old is hoping that play-offs happen at his home ground here and he can return to Chepauk to play his last IPL game. "Time will tell, I guess. I genuinely wish it's not because the last couple of (playoff) games will be here, so I could be back for that, which could then be my last (here)," he said when asked if it could be last game in Chennai.Defending champions CSK was able to chase down 174 comfortably on a good batting track. CSK pacer Mustafizur Rahman produced his best IPL figures of 4-29 to make the difference. Karthik was all praise for the left-arm pacer from Bangladesh. "He bowled brilliantly. He showed his skills in all the three spells," he reckoned. "He is bowling a lot quicker than he normally does and hits the right lengths. The slower balls came out well. It was a very good pitch. Not the usual slow Chepauk turner that we are visualising in our mind. The ball skid on a lot more, and it was good for batting, and he (Rahman) bowled well. What makes it tough is that he can bowl at 138/139 (kmph), and then he has a slower one, which is very deceptive. And he bowls it at 121/125 (km/h), which makes it hard to line him up.For RCB, Anuj Rawat was the top scorer with 48 and his 95-run stand with Karthik allowed the team to post a fighting total. "I couldn't be happier for him. He has been a part of this team for two years, and people can see how much talent he has. The ball flies off his bat. He has got great bat speed and is a strong boy. He works hard at the nets," said Karthik. "The last two years haven't exactly panned out. Last year, he showed towards the end how good he is, but today (Friday), he showed what skills he has got. I just wish he keeps continuing this form because he is a key player for us. A left-arm hander through the middle and hits the long ball with a lot of power. So, it's great to see him do so well," he added.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is set to bid farewell to the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, marking the end of an illustrious career in the tournament. Karthik, who turns 39 in June, will also make a decision on his international future soon.Karthik, who began his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), is one of only seven players to have featured in every season of the IPL since its inception in 2008. He has missed just two matches in 16 seasons, a testament to his durability and commitment.Despite a disappointing 2023 IPL season with the bat, Karthik enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2022 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Playing the role of a finisher, he scored 330 runs at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 183.33, helping RCB reach the playoffs.Karthik's IPL form earned him a berth in the 2022 T20 World Cup, but he struggled to make an impact. He has represented six IPL teams throughout his career, including Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB.In 240 IPL matches, Karthik has amassed 4516 runs at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 132, with 20 half-centuries. As a keeper, he is second only to MS Dhoni in overall dismissals (133) and stumpings (36).Karthik has also captained in the IPL, leading Daredevils on six occasions and Knight Riders for 37 matches. He has a captaincy record of 21 wins, 21 losses, and one tie.As he prepares to retire from playing, Karthik has already embarked on a second career in broadcasting. He has worked as a pundit for the World Test Championship final and the Hundred, and is currently commentating on the India-England Test series.RCB will open their IPL campaign against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at Karthik's home ground in Chepauk.