IPL 2025: In what new role will Dinesh Karthik appear for RCB?
Xtra Time Web Desk: Dinesh Karthik has joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as their batting coach and mentor in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Earlier this year, Karthik decided to end his IPL career after an impressive season for the Faf du Plessis-led RCB. He finished IPL 2024 as one of their prolific run-scorers, having notched 326 runs from 15 matches at an average of 36.22 and a strike-rate of 187.35 with 2 half-centuries and a top score of 83 to his name.
Earlier DK pulled the curtains on his glittering career through an emotional statement on his 39th birthday. He expressed “deepest gratitude” to his near and dear ones for supporting him through thick and thin. Karthik said that he had been thinking about contemplating retirement for a while and giving a thought about “new challenges”.
"I've been overwhelmed by the affection, support and love I have received in the last few days. My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible," Karthik said.
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"Having given it plenty of thought for sometime now, I have decided to move on from playing representative cricket. I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead,” Karthik added.
Welcome our keeper in every sense, ???????????????????????? ????????????????????????????, back into RCB in an all new avatar. DK will be the ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? of RCB Men’s team! ????????
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) July 1, 2024
You can take the man out of cricket but not cricket out of the man! ???? Shower him with all the… pic.twitter.com/Cw5IcjhI0v
Speaking about Karthik’s appointment, Mo Bobat, Director of Cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said, “DK is an excellent addition to our coaching group. He was thrilling to watch on the field, and I’m sure he will be just as impactful as a coach. 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.
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“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. We have exciting times ahead and it’s great for us that we can retain DK’s involvement, as someone who knows what it takes to play for RCB and our special fans,” Bobat further added.
RCB’s wait for title continues
As far as RCB was concerned, they had their fair share of troubles, having lost 6 matches in a row. However, they made a stunning comeback after winning 6 matches. They defeated CSK in their last league game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to sneak into the playoffs. The Challengers, however, crashed out of the tournament after losing to Sanju Samson’s RR in the Eliminator.
Karthik played quite a few match-winning knocks for them lower down the order and showed his utility. In 257 IPL matches since his debut back in 2008, Karthik scored 4842 runs at an average of 26.31 and a strike-rate of 135.36 with 22 half-centuries to show for his efforts.
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