Previous to the IPL 2024, Dinesh Karthik introduced that it will likely be his swansong season within the cash-rich league
Dinesh Karthik’s IPL profession, spanning an unbelievable 17 seasons, got here to a detailed on Wednesday (Could 22) night time. It wasn’t the fairytale ending he might need envisioned, with RCB crashing out of IPL 2024 after a loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR). Nevertheless, his contribution to the event over time has been immense.
One factor that has at all times been related to DK is that he has at all times been a crew participant. Beginning his profession as a lower-order batter earlier than enjoying up the order and act as an anchor, Karthik has at all times put his crew first. Being the participant with the joint-second-most caps in IPL historical past, Karthik amassed a complete of 4,842 runs at a strike price of 135.36. Whereas these are his general IPL numbers, he fully reinvented himself on turning into the league’s finest finisher, having struck at a price of 184 and 187 in IPL 2022 and 2024, respectively.
Because the IPL veteran hung up his boots just lately, let’s make a journey down reminiscence lane and revisit DK’s exceptional journey within the IPL.
Dinesh Karthik’s timeline in IPL over time
2008 (Delhi Daredevils): A fresh-faced 23-year-old, Karthik introduced his arrival within the inaugural IPL season with a composed 56* towards Mumbai Indians. He was picked for INR 2.1 crore for the Delhi Daredevils (now generally known as Delhi Capitals). Whereas his general batting numbers had been modest, his wicket-keeping abilities had been already evident. It laid the muse for his lengthy IPL profession.
2009 (Delhi Daredevils): Stepping up his recreation, Karthik blossomed with the bat for Delhi, scoring over 288 runs (highest for Delhi by an Indian that season) and showcasing his clear hanging. Behind the stumps, his agility and anticipation impressed, with 17 dismissals to his title.
2010 (Delhi Daredevils): An identical season for Karthik, who made 278 runs, together with a match-winning 38-ball 69 towards RR.
2011 (Kings XI Punjab): Searching for a change of surroundings, Karthik joined Kings XI Punjab (now generally known as Punjab Kings). Whereas glimpses of his power-hitting emerged, consistency eluded him. It was his solely season for Punjab, who purchased him for INR 4.14 crore.
Extra on DK
2012-2013 (Mumbai Indians): A defining interval in his IPL journey. Mumbai Indians acknowledged his him as a quantity three dasher, and Karthik thrived underneath the steerage of skilled gamers. His contributions with the bat proved essential of their IPL 2013 title win. For 2 seasons, he commanded a constant wage of 4.14 crores, highlighting his enduring significance to the franchise.
2014 (Delhi Daredevils): A homecoming for Karthik, however the Delhi Daredevils continued to battle as a crew. Regardless of an honest particular person season, they did not qualify for the playoffs. Nevertheless, he gained INR 8.36 crore, a considerable acquire in his wage cap.
2015 (Royal Challengers Bengaluru): A steal for RCB at INR 2 crore, the strain appeared to get the higher of Karthik. He had a forgettable season with each bat, averaging solely 12.82, a stark distinction to his earlier outing.
2016-2017 (Gujarat Lions): With the arrival of a brand new franchise, Gujarat Lions, Karthik discovered a brand new residence. He emerged as an important cog of their batting order, scoring nearly 700 runs for them throughout the 2 seasons.
2018-2019 (Kolkata Knight Riders): A management function awaited Karthik at Kolkata Knight Riders with a hefty price ticket of INR 7.4 crore. Donning the captain’s hat, he led KKR to the playoffs in 2018. His expertise and skill to adapt to totally different conditions had been invaluable. He carved a distinct segment as a late-innings specialist, typically rescuing his crew with explosive cameos.
2020-2021 (Kolkata Knight Riders): IPL 2020 was a troublesome one to take for the veteran as he stepped down from captaincy halfway of IPL 2020. His batting numbers had been merely dismal, scoring 169 runs at a mean of 14.08. He handed the captaincy to Eoin Morgan, who led KKR to IPL 2021 remaining as properly.
2022-2024 (Royal Challengers Bangalore): A mega public sale in 2022 meant a return for Karthik at RCB. It was a much-needed acquisition for RCB, who paid INR 5.5 crore for Karthik. The 38-year-old molded himself right into a spectacular finisher. He had a exceptional IPL 2022 season, on the again of which he even made his solution to the Indian crew on the T20 World Cup.
From 2022 to 2024, Karthik belted 796 runs at an excellent strike price of 173.8, hammering 49 sixes within the course of!
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