Not an age factor! India stumper Dinesh Karthik reveals what prompted him to retire from the IPL

Prolific Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik capped off a prolific IPL career with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As a journeyman in the tournament, Karthik has been a part of various franchises while also leading as a skipper. But he was fortunate enough to end his career where it all started, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Karthik's IPL career ended after RCB were knocked out by the Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 IPL Eliminators. While he has yet to decide on his international career, Karthik has put himself on the map with his off-the-hook performance in the 2024 season. DK revealed why he chose to step down from the tournament, revealing that his age has nothing to do with it.  

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Dinesh Karthik reveals what prompted him to step down from the IPL

Dinesh Karthik, 38, told Cricbuzz that he is prepared to play for another three years, saying that the Impact Player rule makes it convenient for him to play. However, it was the mental hurdles of competing at the greatest level which influenced his choice to leave the lucrative league.

"It was all about the mental side of things, whether I'll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don't play as many matches, will I be okay with it. I am a big believer of whatever I look to do, I try to give it 100% commitment and do whatever I can to be the best in that. And I thought from hereon for me to play X amount of matches is going to be hard," Karthik explained.

Karthik further revealed that having a young family also impacted his decision, saying that he wants to spend time with his close ones.

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The IPL 2024 was a special one for Dinesh Karthik, as he put himself onto the map with his impactful performance for RCB. At times of dearth, DK emerged as a glimmer of hope for the fans. He even put himself on the radar for the T20 World Cup's wicketkeeper-batter position. But given that he called time in his IPL career, it is yet to be seen what happens in his International career.'