Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by falling short in the Eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (May 22). This match also marked RCB’s wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik‘s journey in the league as he announced his retirement.
In a touching gesture, RCB players accorded Karthik a guard of honour following their exit from the tournament. Additionally, the franchise shared a heartwarming video on their social media platform featuring RCB players revealing their respect for Karthik that further included a special message from Karthik’s wife, Deepika Pallikal.
Deepika Pallikal gets emotional
Deepika, Karthik’s spouse, recounted significant highlights from the cricketer’s career and acknowledged the challenge he faced transitioning away from the sport. Sharing these moments, she became emotional on screen.
Deepika displayed visible emotion as she reflected on her bond with Karthik. Recalling their initial meeting in 2013, she highlighted how, despite a short time together, they committed to a lifetime partnership.
“I guess when things are meant to be they happen and when we met in 2013, I think it was very fast that we knew that we wanted to spend a life with each other and I am guessing everything clicked,” Deepika said.
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Virat Kohli shares his bond with Dinesh Karthik
The video further showcased Virat Kohli reminiscing about his initial encounter with Karthik back in 2009.
“First time I met DK, I remember we were playing in South Africa if I am not wrong in the Champions Trophy 2009. It was the first time I shared the change-room with Dinesh and I found him to be very amusing, I would say hyper-active, confused person, most of the times he was moving all over the place, never stopping. That was my first impression of Dinesh,” Kohli said.
Kohli further praised Karthik for his integrity and bravery, recalling a significant incident from 2022 when he was struggling in the IPL at that time, Karthik took the initiative to have a candid conversation with him, offering valuable insights into what might have been amiss.
“Off the field, I have had some really nice and interesting conversations with him. He is wise man, has great knowledge about a lot of things, not just cricket. I have thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him. Even in that phase in 2022 when I did not have a great IPL season, I was really struggling for confidence, he sat me down a couple of times and gave me a very honest explanation of how he is seeing things and maybe I am not able to see them myself,” Kohli concluded.
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