'If I come back for that, that could be the last' - Dinesh Karthik drops retirement hints after IPL 2024 opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik got his Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) off to a good start as he played a brilliant innings of 38* (26) in the opening fixture of the season against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Karthik walked into bat with RCB on 78/5 after 11.4 overs and stitched a crucial 95-run partnership with Anuj Rawat (48 off 25) to take his team to 173/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Notably, Karthik has been a part of the IPL ever since the tournament’s inception in 2008 and has made a name for himself with his stupendous performances over the years. After the end of the IPL 2024 season opener, Karthik was asked if that was his last game at MA Chidambaram Stadium.

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The Chennai-born cricketer replied that the venue will most likely host the playoff matches as well which could well turn out to be his last provided if RCB qualifies for the same.

"That's a great question. I genuinely wish it's not, because a couple of matches of the Playoffs could be here. If I come back for that, that could be the last. Otherwise, I think it could be," said Karthik in the post-match press conference.

Further speaking ahead, the 38-year-old shared his challenges while preparing for the ongoing IPL season along with his commentary stint during the India vs England five-match Test series.

It feels good to score some runs: Karthik

"Extremely challenging. Doing a bit of commentary and practising cricket in between Test matches and in between the time that you get has been a lot of hard work. I am happy that game 1 has gone in a positive way for me personally and it feels good to score some runs," said Karthik.

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Meanwhile, Karthik’s knock couldn’t save RCB from a loss as Chennai managed to chase down the target of 174 in 18.4 overs with valuable contributions from Rachin Ravindra (37 off 15) and Shivam Dubey (34* off 28). As a result, CSK continued to maintain their 16-year-long unbeaten record against RCB in Chennai.