(Image source from: x.com/DineshKarthik)

Dinesh Karthik's IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended on a sour note as they lost to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator 1 clash at Ahmedabad on Wednesday night, marking the conclusion of the 2024 edition of the T20 League. Despite a slow start to the season, RCB managed to make it to the playoffs. Karthik, who had hinted that this could be his final IPL season, has been a part of every IPL season since it began in 2008, playing for several top franchises except for his hometown team, Chennai Super Kings. He received a warm round of applause from his team and fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium after the game against RR. Karthik finished the campaign with 326 runs in 15 matches and proved to be an excellent designated finisher for the franchise. Although he was in contention for a T20 World Cup call-up, he was not selected.

He cemented his place in the competition's hall of fame as one of its most skilled players who adapted his style to fit the situation. After joining the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018, he excelled as a closer. There has been no official confirmation from either Karthik or RCB, but in his post-game speech after RCB's victory over CSK to qualify for the playoffs, the wicketkeeper-batsman hinted once more that he plans to retire from the IPL at the end of the season.