Dinesh Karthik Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full Name: Krishna Kumar Dinesh Karthik

Nickname: DK

Profession: Indian Cricketer (Right-hand Batsman and Wicket-keeper)

Food Habit: Non-vegetarian

Date of Birth: 1 June 1985

Age (as of 2024): 39 Years

Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Zodiac sign: Gemini

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Religion: Hinduism

Caste: Brahmin

Marriage Date: 18 August 2015 (with Dipika Pallikal – as per Christian rituals) 20 August 2015 (with Dipika Pallikal – as per Hindu rituals)

Marriage Place: Christian- The Leela Palace hotel in Chennai Hindu- ITC Grand Chola in Chennai

Age: 39 Years

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EDUCATION

School(s): Don Bosco School, Chennai St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, Chennai Indian Public School in Salmiya, Kuwait

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): 5′ 7″ (170 cm)

Eye Colour: Black

Hair Colour: Black

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Family: Father – Krishnakumar (Worked as a System Analyst) Mother – Padma (Worked in IDBI and ONGC) Brother – Vinesh (Younger) Sister – None

Marital Status: Married

Affairs/Girlfriends: Nikita Vanjara Dipika Pallikal (Squash Player)

Wife/Spouse(s): First Wife – Nikita Vanjara (m. 2007–div. 2012) Second Wife – Dipika Pallikal (m. 2015-present)

Children: On 28 October 2021, Dinesh Karthik and his wife, Dipika Pallikal, took to social media to announce the birth of their twin baby boys.

Wife: Dipika Pallikal (2nd Wife)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

International Debut: Test – 3 November 2004 against Australia at Mumbai ODI – 5 September 2004 against England at London T20 – 1 December 2006 against South Africa at Johannesburg

MONEY FACTOR

Career Turning Point: Performance in the 2004 domestic season.

Car Collection: Porsche 911 Turbo S

Salary (as of 2018): Retainer Fee: ₹3 crore Test Fee: ₹15 lakh ODI Fee: ₹6 lakh T20 Fee: ₹3 lakh IPL 11: ₹7.4 crore

Net Worth (approx.): INR 44 crore

OTHER INFORMATION

Coach/Mentor: Robin Singh

Jersey Number: #21, 19 (India) #21, 19 (Domestic)

Domestic/State Team: Abahani Limited, Albert TUTI Patriots, Delhi Daredevils, Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, South Zone, Tamil Nadu

Nature on field: Calm

Records (main ones): • The first ever Indian cricketer to win a T20I Man of the Match award (against South Africa in 2006). • He has done batting from opening position to No. 7.

Address: An apartment called The Karthik’s’ in Chennai

Hobbies: Playing sudoku, Reading, Swimming, Travelling

Cricketer(s): Batsman: Sachin Tendulkar , Ian Botham Bowler: R Ashwin

Tennis Player: Roger Federer

Food: Butter chicken

Actor(s): Rajinikanth , Suriya , Dhanush

Musician: A.R. Rahman

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Dinesh Karthik, hailing from a Tamil Brahmin family with a rich sporting heritage, was destined for a life in cricket from an early age. His father, a first-division cricketer for Chennai, instilled a passion for the sport in him, setting the stage for a journey that would see him rise through the ranks of Indian cricket. Under the guidance of former Indian cricketer Robin Singh, Karthik honed his skills, laying the groundwork for a career that would be filled with both triumphs and challenges. His international debut came in 2004 during an ODI against England, where he experienced the highs and lows of the game; while he infamously dropped Michael Vaughan, he quickly redeemed himself with a remarkable stumping that showcased his potential as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

Despite glimpses of brilliance, Karthik’s initial foray into international cricket was marred by inconsistency in both his wicket-keeping and batting. By the end of 2004, he found himself replaced by the enigmatic MS Dhoni, a move that would redefine the landscape of Indian cricket. As Karthik navigated personal and professional challenges, he experienced a significant turning point in his life. His first marriage ended, and during this tumultuous period, Mulari Vijay, a fellow cricketer, would later marry his ex-wife, Nikita. However, amidst the setbacks, Karthik’s life took a positive turn when he met his second wife, Dipika Pallikal, an esteemed Indian Squash Champion. Their fortuitous meeting at the Chennai marathon in 2008, facilitated by a mutual gym trainer, marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Karthik’s connection to cricket extended beyond just his professional endeavors; he was known for donning the iconic #19 jersey, previously worn by the legendary Rahul Dravid, a testament to his respect for the game’s greats. Throughout his career, he played for various franchises in the Indian Premier League, including Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions, and Kolkata Knight Riders. His stint with Kolkata Knight Riders reached a new pinnacle when he took over the captaincy in IPL 11 (2018), succeeding Gautam Gambhir. This role not only challenged him but also provided an opportunity to showcase his leadership skills.

However, the road wasn’t always smooth for Karthik. In the late 2015 and early 2016 period, he faced a rough patch in his career, feeling desperate to reignite his international aspirations. It was during this time that he confided in his friend Abhishek Nayar, a fellow cricketer, who invited him to a makeshift training space known as the “House of Pain” in his Mumbai residence. There, amidst humble circumstances, Karthik underwent rigorous training, meditation, and batting visualization techniques, which significantly transformed both his technique and mental fortitude. This period of recuperation paved the way for a stunning comeback, epitomized by his memorable six off the last ball in the final of the Nidahas Trophy against Bangladesh on March 18, 2018, sealing a thrilling victory for India.

As he continued to carve out his legacy in cricket, Karthik’s journey culminated in his retirement announcement in 2024, following an eliminator match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals. In a moving tribute, his teammates honored him with a guard of honour in Ahmedabad, marking the end of an era in his illustrious career. The IPL broadcaster JioCinema confirmed his retirement on social media, a poignant reminder of the indelible impact Karthik has had on the sport, both as a player and as a leader. Beyond the cricket pitch, Karthik’s love for sports cars and his dynamic lifestyle reflect a personality that thrives on both challenges and achievements, making him a beloved figure in the world of Indian cricket.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.