RCB head coach Andy Flower believes Dinesh Karthik will play a few more tournaments before calling it quits on his professional cricket career. Notably, the wicketkeeper batsman has hinted at his retirement following the end of the upcoming Indian Premier League in 2024, having openly discussed it several times.
As a result, following RCB’s elimination from the competition with a four-wicket loss to RR in the Eliminator game on Wednesday, May 22, there has been considerable speculation that Karthik will announce his retirement shortly.
Speaking about the possible end of Karthik’s 20-year-old cricketing career, Flower praised him for his fantastic run during the tournament and suggested several responsibilities he may take up following his retirement.
However, the former Zimbabwe cricketer didn’t rule out the potential that the wicketkeeper batter would play a few more tournaments before calling it quits.
“He hadn’t played much cricket before the competition. What he has done for us has been very exceptional, both in terms of runs and attitude. I admire him for it. He will be extremely successful in whatever endeavor he pursues. He is already a terrific pundit. He enjoys the notion of coaching as well—assisting and working with others, which is not surprising. He will achieve enormous success if he does this as well.” I also think he might play a few more small tournaments along the way,” Flower added at the post-match press conference.
Flower also spoke about his first meeting with the India player and how the two hit it off right away. “He was a real pleasure to work with this year. I’ve never worked so closely with him before. I recall meeting him when I was England’s coach and he was playing for India at Lord’s. We had some very intriguing conversations about batting. I truly liked him from the beginning. After working with him this season, I have grown to enjoy and respect him even more.” He has been sensational,” he said.
Notably, Karthik had a fantastic season with the bat, scoring 326 runs from 13 innings at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 187.35, including a pair of half-centuries. The 38-year-old played key innings of 53* (23) against MI and a magnificent 83 (35) against SRH to help his side cut down on the loss margin, ultimately helping them retain a solid net run rate.
