Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal Celebrate Birth of Daughter Raaha
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New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik and acclaimed squash player Dipika Pallikal have joyfully revealed the birth of their daughter, Raaha Pallikal Karthik, celebrating a delightful addition to their family.
The couple conveyed their happiness through a heartfelt social media post, expressing their appreciation as they introduced their little girl, who is now the younger sister to their twin boys, Kabir and Zian.
“With love in our hearts and gratitude beyond expression, we warmly welcome our cherished daughter into this world. Kabir and Zian are overjoyed to present their baby sister, Raaha Pallikal Karthik. Love, Dipika & Dinesh”
The couple exchanged vows on August 25, 2015, in both traditional Hindu and Christian ceremonies, and they welcomed their twins in 2021.
Karthik, a former Indian international cricketer, had a remarkable career both as a wicketkeeper and batsman before moving into coaching and commentary roles upon his retirement from active play. Over the span of more than two decades, he participated in Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals, subsequently taking on the role of mentor and batting coach for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Dipika made history as the first Indian woman to achieve a spot in the world’s top‑10 rankings in squash. An honored recipient of the Padma Shri and multiple medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, she stands out as one of the nation’s most decorated athletes.
Her latest appearance was at the Hangzhou Asian Games in October 2023, where she won a gold medal in mixed doubles. Following her return from maternity leave in early 2022, she made an impressive comeback, securing two titles at the World Doubles Squash Championships and earning a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Karthik is currently a member of RCB’s coaching staff, serving as the team’s batting coach. He is part of a highly skilled team that includes Andy Flower as head coach and Omkar Salvi as bowling coach.
The coaching staff also includes Richard Halsall as assistant coach; Malolan Rangarajan as spin bowling coach and player identification manager; Basu Shanker as strength and conditioning coach; Evan Speechly and James Pipe as the team physios; Navnita Gautam as the athletic therapist; and Dr. Shikha Dhaundiyal as the team doctor.