Dinesh Karthik Hints at IPL Retirement, Expresses Regrets and Discusses Leadership Challenges
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.