Karthik has set the IPL on fire with his skill as a finisher. In the tournament so far, Karthik has made 90 runs in four matches at an average of 45.00 and a strike rate of over 173.
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In 247 IPL matches, Karthik has made 4,606 runs at an average of 26.02, with a strike rate of over 133, having scored 20 fifties. His best score is 97*. He is the 10th-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history.
While talking about his retirement, Karthik took a hilarious jibe at former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi for his multiple retirements.
He also reflected on two regrets in his career, one being not retained by Mumbai Indians, and the other being the missed opportunity to play for Chennai Super Kings despite belonging to the city.
Dinesh Karthik on being the ‘Finisher’ for RCB in the IPL & India’s T20 World Cup chances
“You know I have had this conversation with both of you at different points in time during my last stint in the UK on how you decide when to retire; is there something called a niceswon? It is coming to an end. It has come to an end. I did bat well in a couple of games. I felt good, which was very surprising. It is not easy mixing, broadcasting, and playing. I played the DY Patil Tournament and felt abysmal in it.
“Unless you are Shahid Afridi (on retirement), but in most cases, once it’s done, it’s done. How I look at it is, once you finish, do I regret anything or am I missing anything? I have a couple of regrets. One missed the opportunity to be retained by the Mumbai Indians. 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. I wish I could turn the clock back and change things,” Karthik said on the SKY Sports Cricket Podcast with Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton.
After his stint with Delhi Capitals till 2010, Karthik had stints with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings, 2011), Mumbai Indians (2012-13), Delhi again in 2014, Royal Challengers Bangalore (2015, 2022-present), Gujarat Lions (2016-17), Kolkata Knight Riders (2018-21). He won the 2013 IPL title with MI, which remains his only IPL title to this day.