Deepika, wife of Dinesh Karthik, gets emotional; Virat Kohli pays tribute in heartfelt RCB video

Dinesh Karthik bids farewell to IPL as RCB exits the tournament

In a heartfelt moment, Dinesh Karthik, one of the stalwarts of Indian cricket, said goodbye to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were knocked out of the competition by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator on Wednesday. This marked Karthik’s final game in the T20 league, as the veteran wicket-keeper batter decided to move on from the tournament.

After RCB’s defeat, the team paid tribute to Karthik by giving him a guard of honour, showcasing the respect and admiration they have for the seasoned player. The players also shared a touching video in which Karthik’s wife, Deepika Pallikal, was interviewed, adding an emotional touch to the farewell.

The video featured an interview with Virat Kohli, who reminisced about his first interaction with Karthik back in 2009 during the Champions Trophy in South Africa. Kohli described Karthik as an outstanding talent and praised his evolution as a player over the years.

Kohli also highlighted Karthik’s honesty and courage, sharing a personal anecdote from 2022 when Karthik provided him with valuable insights during a challenging phase in the IPL. Deepika Pallikal, a professional squash player, expressed her emotions in the video, urging Karthik to spend more time with their family now that he is retiring from the game.

The touching tribute from RCB and the heartfelt messages from Kohli and Deepika showcased the impact and legacy that Karthik leaves behind in the world of cricket. As he bids adieu to the IPL, fans and fellow players alike will remember Karthik for his talent, humility, and contributions to the sport.