After hanging his boots just after the IPL 2024, Dinesh Karthik has returned to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise for the upcoming IPL season. This time not as a player, but as their new batting coach and mentor.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter’s association with RCB is long-standing and successful. He had two separate stints with the franchise – the first in 2015 and 2016, and the most recent, highly productive one, from 2022 to 2024. It was during this final stint that his exceptional finishing skills truly shone, earning him a well-deserved recall to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia (2022).
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While the 2023 season wasn’t as prolific for Karthik, he signed off on a high note in IPL 2024, scoring over 300 runs at a staggering strike rate of 187.36. In total, during his 3-year stint with RCB, he amassed a commendable 796 runs, solidifying his place as a valuable asset to the team.
The IPL career of Dinesh Karthik isn’t limited to RCB. He is a true IPL veteran, having played in every single season since 2008 across various franchises. His overall IPL journey displays his potential, with a record of 4842 runs scored in 257 matches at a strike rate of 135.36.
Dinesh Karthik seems eager to share his vast knowledge and experience with the next generation of cricketers. He recently expressed his interest in pursuing coaching, and his appointment by RCB perfectly aligns with these aspirations.
“Coaching and broadcasting is what I’m thinking I’ll mix in the foreseeable future,” he said. “It’s not as simple as it looks, but a few players who’ve played in RCB itself are very keen to come and work with me in Chennai. So, that is a positive. It’s very exciting.”
Dinesh Karthik appointed as the new batting coach and mentor for RCB.
– Mentor
– Goat Commentator
– Batting Coach#DineshKarthik #RCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/YEEKXAw5kU— Love Meena (@LK190819) July 1, 2024
Speaking about his new role with RCB, Dinesh Karthik expressed his feelings, stating, “Coaching at a professional level is incredibly exciting for me and is something I’m truly passionate about as a new chapter in my life. Hopefully, the breadth of my experiences as a player can contribute to the development of the group and bring added value.”
“I believe that cricket success hinges not only on technical proficiency but also on match intelligence and composure. I am eager to coach and mentor our batting group, helping them to not only refine their method but also to develop the keen match awareness needed to excel under pressure.”
Karthik’s return to RCB, albeit in a different capacity, is a win-win situation for both parties. The franchise gains a highly experienced coach who embodies the RCB spirit, while Karthik gets the opportunity to share his expertise and usher in a new chapter in his cricketing journey.
RCB’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat, shares this sentiment. “DK is an excellent addition to our coaching group,” he said. “His longevity and track record as a player speaks volumes about his skill and dedication. I know he will bring that same quality and commitment to this new professional chapter.”
Bobat further emphasized the value Dinesh Karthik brings to the team, not just in terms of technical expertise but also in terms of his winning mindset. “DK’s experiences across both international cricket and the IPL make him a huge asset to RCB. I have no doubt that our players will benefit hugely from his expert support. As a player, DK demonstrated an elite mindset under pressure and a real drive to keep evolving his game. I’m looking forward to him instilling those same qualities and values into our players, and in particular, our batters.”
With Dinesh Karthik at the helm, RCB’s batting line-up is poised for exciting growth and development. His experience, strategic thinking, and dedication to the game are sure to inspire the next generation of RCB stars.
