IPL 2024: Virat Kohli hugs Dinesh Karthik as latter receives guard of honour, moment hints at last dance

Dinesh Karthik (Pic: File Pic)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik might have had his last appearance on the cricket field during the IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals.

After flying high with six consecutive wins, the RCB, in chasing the sun, came away with their wings charred and melted. Their hopes of a fairytale season turned into despair after the Bengaluru franchise crashed out of the IPL 2024 in the second eliminator on Wednesday.

In the clash of the "Royals", Rajasthan came victorious by four wickets against Bengaluru in the IPL 2024 Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

With the chants of "ee sala cup namde" falling silent and failing to go all the way to Chennai, which is set to play host to the title clash, emotions were in free flow amid the cricketing action at the world's biggest stadium.

Also Read: Rajasthan Royals end RCB's remarkable run in IPL with four-wicket win

Dinesh Karthik who played the role of the finisher this IPL 2024 took off his gloves to acknowledge the fans who stood up on their feet to appreciate the contributions of Karthik.

Soon a moment to savour for the RCB fans unfolded, as the franchise's marquee star and modern-day cricketing icon Virat Kohli embraced Karthik as he struggled to fight back his emotions.

Dinesh Karthik has still not officially announced his retirement from the cash-rich league, but he did drop hints throughout the IPL 2024 that it would be his last season for the franchise.

As he walked back towards the dressing room, Karthik received a guard of honour from the RCB players.

He was an important player from RCB's perspective especially in the rollercoaster season. His contributions played a huge role in the playoffs qualification in the IPL 2024.

If the IPL 2024 ends as the last one season for Karthik, he will finish it with 4,842 runs in 257 IPL matches. Throughout his career, he has featured for six franchises.

He made his debut in the inaugural season in 2008 with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He made a switch to Punjab in 2011 and, thereafter, went on to play for the Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders and the RCB.

In the IPL 2024, making his appearances in 15 matches, Karthik has scored 326 runs at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 187.36.

(With ANI Inputs)