On Monday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) introduced Dinesh Karthik as their new mentor and batting coach. Karthik, who is a dangerous presence in the RCB batting lineup, is well-equipped to improve the coaching staff with his extensive experience and deep awareness of the team’s culture. His emphasis on developing talent is expected to open the door for RCB to have a prosperous cricket season.
Karthik made his debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015 and 2016. In the 15 games of the 2024 season, he scored 326 runs at a strike average of 187.36, but his effect was felt in more ways than one.
Mo Bobat, Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, commented on Karthik’s appointment, saying, “DK is a great addition to our coaching group.” On the field, he was exciting to watch, and as a coach, I’m confident he’ll have an even greater influence. His playing career and longevity are testaments to his talent and commitment. I have no doubt that he will approach this next phase of his career with the same dedication and quality.
“DK is a tremendous addition to RCB because of his experiences in both international cricket and the IPL. Without a doubt, his professional assistance will be extremely beneficial to our players. As a player, DK showed that he had an outstanding mentality under duress and a genuine desire to improve. I’m excited for him to impart those same traits and principles on our players—especially on our hitters. As someone who understands what it takes to play for RCB and our particular fans, it’s fantastic for us that we can keep DK involved. We have exciting times ahead of us,” Bobat continued.
The 39-year-old, who played 26 Tests, 94 One-Day Internationals, and 60 Twenty20 Internationals for India throughout his two decades of extensive batting experience, made his ODI debut for the country in 2004 when he was just 19 years old. In addition, he played in 257 IPL matches, amassing 4842 runs overall—22 of which were fifty-five runs.
Dinesh Karthik commented, “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,” after his appointment as Batting Coach and Batting Mentor. My wide range of playing experiences should be able to add value and aid in the group’s progress.
“I think that match intelligence and poise, in addition to technical skill, are crucial for success in cricket. I am excited to work as a coach and mentor with our batting group, assisting them in honing their technique as well as developing the acute match awareness necessary to perform well under duress. The fact that I can stay involved with RCB as the team keeps becoming better is also fantastic,” he continued.
Karthik became an immediate hit with the RCB 12th man army thanks to his striking prowess and electrifying presence on the pitch. Alongside coach Andy Flower, he was a perfect fit for RCB’s mission to develop and mentor young Indian batsmen because of his ability to control the team’s destiny through his calm attitude to batting.
