Dinesh Karthik Turns 39: The Explosive Wicketkeeper-Batter’s Top 5 IPL Innings – News18

Dinesh Karthik is a well-known name in Indian cricket. Over the years, Karthik, a dependable wicketkeeper-batter, has delivered memorable performances, despite not securing a permanent spot in the national team. One of his most iconic moments came in the Nidahas Trophy final in 2018, where his last-ball six against Bangladesh clinched the victory for India. Today, the Tamil Nadu cricketer turns 39.

IPL Career

Establishing himself as a formidable middle-order batsman in the IPL, he played in five teams before retirement in 2024. Karthik began his IPL journey in the inaugural 2008 season with Delhi Daredevils. He joined Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2011, but moved to Mumbai in two years to join Rohit Sharma and Co.

Karthik won IPL trophy with the Mumbai Indians in 2013. He was again bought by Delhi-based franchise in 2014 and then he went on to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions in 2015 and 2016. Gujarat Lions retained him in 2017.

In 2018, Karthik joined Kolkata Knight Riders and was appointed skipper. He led the side to the playoffs but couldn’t win the title. Karthik was bought by RCB in the 2022 auction. He had taken over the role of the finisher in RCB in the three years he played for the franchise.

In an IPL career spanning 257 matches, Karthik recorded 4,842 with 22 fifties.

Unlucky to be playing in the MS Dhoni-era, Dinesh Karthik, popularly known as DK, represented India in 26 tests, 94 ODIs and 56 T20Is. He was an integral member of both the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy winning squads. Apart from that, he’s also won the 2010 and 2018 Asia Cup representing India. On his birthday, let’s have a look at the top 5 knocks played by Dinesh Karthik in IPL.

Dinesh Karthik’s Top 5 Knocks In The IPL

1. 97* vs Rajasthan Royals, 2019In a do-or-die match against Rajasthan Royals in 2019, Karthik played a captain’s knock and remained unbeaten 97 playing 50 balls, helping Kolkata Knight Riders score 175. Though Rajasthan Royals chased the target, with KKR eventually not being able to qualify for the playoffs.
2. 86 vs Delhi Daredevils, 2013In a clash against his former side, Dinesh Karthik played a valiant innings of 86 runs that included 14 boundaries. He stitched a partnership with Rohit Sharma that was crucial in the flow of the game. Mumbai Indians ended up being victorious by 44 runs.
3. 56* vs Mumbai Indians, 2008In the inaugural season of IPL, Karthik, playing for Delhi Daredevils, was having an underwhelming season until the last match of the group stage which Delhi needed to win to qualify for the playoffs. Chasing a target of 178, Delhi were 89-4 at one point until Karthik build partnerships with Manoj Tiwari and Sri Lankan all-rounder Farvez Maharoof. Delhi Daredevils won by 4 wickets and qualified for the semi-finals.
4. 66 vs Delhi Capitals, 2022In 2022, Karthik delivered a stunning performance for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Delhi Capitals, scoring 66 runs off just 34 deliveries. Coming in at number 7, Karthik’s explosive innings, which included five boundaries and an equal number of sixes, helped RCB reach a strong total of 189 runs. The Delhi Capitals’ chase ended at 173 runs, and Karthik’s brilliant knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
5. 69 vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala, 2011In 2011, while chasing a target of 179 runs for Kings XI Punjab against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Karthik scored 69 runs off just 33 deliveries. His powerful knock brought Punjab close to victory. Following Karthik’s dismissal a few overs before the end, David Hussey stepped in to finish the job and secure the win for Punjab.

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