Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024 Eliminator last week marked the end of Dinesh Karthik’s IPL and international career.
Karthik’s IPL journey, which started in the inaugural 2008 edition itself, included stints with six different franchises, showcasing his adaptability and commitment. Starting with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), he later played for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mumbai Indians, now-defunct Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB.
Karthik also made a mark while playing for India even though his peak clashed with the legendary MS Dhoni as a wicketkeeper-batter. He represented the country in 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 60 T20Is, amassing 3463 runs across formats with one hundred and 17 half-centuries.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik opened up on his retirement call, saying that although he felt physically capable of continuing for another three years, he decided to step away for many reasons.
"I think I am physically very much prepared to play for another three years. Especially with the Impact Player rule, it becomes that much easier," Karthik said. "So in terms of playing the sport, easily I think I could've pushed for another cycle."
The 38-year-old further emphasized that he has been fortunate enough to avoid injuries right through his career.
"Touch wood, I have never missed a game because of an injury through my three decades. I've been blessed that way. I was never worried about my body or my fitness," he stated.
Dinesh Karthik cited that the mental challenges of continuing at the highest level were a major factor behind his retirement decision.
"It was all about the mental side of things, whether I'll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don't play as many matches, will I be okay with it. I am a big believer of whatever I look to do, I try to give it 100% commitment and do whatever I can to be the best in that. And I thought from hereon for me to play X amount of matches is going to be hard," Karthik remarked.
"Mentally pushing myself for so long in terms of doing everything in the lead-up, even if I falter a little bit I wouldn't be... even though from the outside people wouldn't know, but internally I would find it very hard and I would be living with guilt. I don't want that," he explained.
Family considerations also played a part in his decision. "I have a little bit of a young family, so spending time with them [is important]," he said.
Stressing on the fairness of continued participation, Karthik highlighted the commitment teams expect from players.
"If I don't play the cycle or I walk into the tournament knowing that I won't finish the cycle, then it is a little bit unfair on the team because they could have used that resource on a player they know would be there for all three seasons. Taking all that into account, I thought this is the time [to retire]."
Karthik finished the IPL 2024 season with 326 runs in 15 matches, acing the finisher's role once again. However, he was overlooked by the selectors in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to June 29.
The final and the most important factor for Karthik was the realization that his international career was effectively over.
"And most importantly, the fact that no matter what I do, I cannot play for India again was very evident. So it was the last nail in the coffin," he concluded.
