India's veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has confirmed his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The 38-year-old announced on social media, bringing to a close a professional career that commenced in the early 2000s.
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"Having given it plenty of thought for sometime now, I have decided to move on from playing representative cricket," Karthik said in a statement.
"I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead."
Karthik also extended a huge vote of thanks to his supporters during the long journey.
"I'd like to thank all my coaches, captains, selectors, teammates and members of the support staff who have made this long journey pleasant and enjoyable. Among the millions that play the sport in our country, I consider myself among the lucky few to have had the chance to represent the nation, and luckier still to have earned the goodwill of so many fans and friends.
"My parents have been pillars of strength and support over all these years, and I wouldn’t be what I am without their blessings. I also owe plenty to Dipika (Pallikal), herself a professional sportsperson who often put her career on hold to walk my journey with me.
"Of course, to all the fans and followers of our great game, a massive thank you! Cricket and cricketers wouldn’t be the same without your support and good wishes."
Karthik represented India in 180 matches across various formats, scoring 3463 runs.
Last month, he played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's journey to the playoffs in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League.
Karthik made his India debut in September 2004 in ODIs, and soon after, he was seen in Test cricket as well.
He was part of the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007
- Dinesh Karthik
