Dinesh Karthik Welcomes Third Child Amid IPL Preparations

Dinesh Karthik is set to mentor Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming IPL season while celebrating the birth of his daughter, Raaha. He and his wife, squash star Dipika Pallikal, shared their joy on social media. This marks a new chapter in their decade-long journey together, following the birth of their twins in 2021. Karthik, a celebrated wicketkeeper-batter, and Pallikal, a squash legend, continue to inspire fans with their achievements both on and off the field.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 17:33 IST

Exciting Times for Dinesh Karthik

In just a few days, Dinesh Karthik will shift his focus to the upcoming IPL season, aiming for a consecutive title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as he steps into the mentor role for the second year. Before embarking on this significant journey, Karthik has experienced one of the most joyous moments of his life. He and his wife, squash champion Dipika Pallikal, have welcomed their third child.

The couple announced the arrival of their daughter, Raaha Pallikal Karthik, on their Instagram accounts, sharing their happiness with the world. They previously welcomed twins, Kabir and Zian, in 2021. Their heartfelt message read, "With blessings in our hearts... we joyfully welcome our precious girl into this world. Love, Dipika & Dinesh."

A Beautiful Journey Together

Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal are one of India's most cherished sporting couples. Their wedding in August 2015 was a grand affair, blending both Hindu and Christian traditions. The birth of Raaha adds a new chapter to their beautiful journey that began over ten years ago, following the arrival of their twins.

About Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal

Dinesh Karthik is celebrated as one of India's finest wicketkeeper-batters, boasting a remarkable 20-year career characterized by longevity and a transformation into a finisher in the later stages. He has played 180 international matches, scoring 1,025 runs in Tests, 1,752 in ODIs, and 686 in T20Is. His most memorable performance was during the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final, where he hit a six off the last ball to secure victory for India. In the IPL, he has accumulated 4,842 runs across 257 matches, including 22 fifties.

Dipika Pallikal is a renowned squash player, being the first Indian woman to enter the top 10 of the world rankings. She is a gold medallist at both the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award.