Dinesh Karthik, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has taken on a new role in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after retiring from all forms of representative cricket. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise announced that Karthik will serve as their batting coach and mentor for the upcoming season.
Dinesh Karthik’s journey continues with RCB
Karthik’s association with RCB began in the IPL 2022 mega auction when he was picked by the franchise. He remained with the team for three seasons, making significant contributions both with the bat and behind the stumps. In the 2024 season, he scored 326 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 187.35.
Overall, Karthik played 60 matches for RCB, accumulating 937 runs at an average of 24.65 and a strike rate of 162.95. His run tally is currently the second-highest among Indian players for RCB in the IPL, trailing only Virat Kohli.
Notably, Karthik also took 36 catches and made nine stumpings during his RCB career, showcasing his skills as a wicketkeeper. His longevity and consistency in the IPL have made him one of the few players to feature in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2008. Over the years, he has represented six different IPL teams, including Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now RCB.
In a press release, Karthik expressed his excitement about coaching at a professional level. He emphasized the importance of match intelligence and composure alongside technical proficiency. As a mentor, he aims to help RCB’s batting group refine their methods and develop keen match awareness to excel under pressure. His experience as a player and recent coaching stint with the England Lions during their India tour will undoubtedly benefit the team.
Our new 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝘋𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘬 loves RCB as much as our 12th Man Army loves him! ❤️
He has a special message and an even more special promise for fans ahead of his new innings with us! 🎥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/1E27Qwbatt
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) July 1, 2024
Karthik joins RCB’s coaching staff, which includes head coach Andy Flower, bowling coach Adam Griffith, and director of cricket Mo Bobat. Bobat praised Karthik’s skill, dedication, and commitment, highlighting his impact both as a player and now as a coach.
As the IPL gears up for another exciting season, Dinesh Karthik’s transition from the field to the coaching setup promises to be an intriguing chapter in his cricketing journey.
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