Former cricketer Dinesh Karthik and his wife Dipika Pallikal welcome a baby girl

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik and squash player Dipika Pallikal have announced the birth of their daughter, Raaha Pallikal Karthik. The couple shared the news on their social media account.

“With blessings in our hearts and gratitude beyond words, we joyfully welcome our precious girl into this world. Kabir and Zian are thrilled to introduce their baby sister, Raaha Pallikal Karthik. Love, Dipika & Dinesh.” Karthik wrote on Instagram. 

The couple got married in 2015 and have two sons already, Kabir and Zian. Both Karthik and Pallikal are established international athletes. Karthik made waves in cricket as a wicket-keeper batter for India, while Pallikal is well-renowned as a successful international squash player.

Karthik played his final Test match against England in 2018 after making his debut against Australia in 2004. He scored 1,025 runs at an average of 25 across 26 Test matches and 42 innings, including one century and seven half-centuries.

Karthik made his One Day International debut against England at Lord`s in September 2004. He played his final ODI against New Zealand in the 2019 ICC Men`s Cricket World Cup. In 94 games and 79 innings, he amassed 1,752 runs at an average of 30.20, including nine half-centuries.

He made his Twenty20 International debut against South Africa in 2006 and played his last game against Bangladesh in November 2022. In 60 games and 48 innings, Karthik amassed 686 runs at an average of 26.38, including one half-century.

Dinesh Karthik joins the RCB camp for IPL 2026

Dinesh Karthik is the mentor and batting coach of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The former Indian star has joined the RCB camp before the start of the IPL 2026. RCB will be the defending champions in this year`s edition.

Karthik made an immediate impact with the RCB. The wicket-keeper played a key role for the Bengaluru-based franchise in the final year of his playing career and has since then joined them as a batting coach and mentor. Karthik was a key coaching figure as RCB ended their 18-year wait for an IPL title, when they won the final against the Punjab Kings last year.