Dinesh Karthik appointed as RCB batting coach and mentor

Former India and RCB wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has been named as the new batting coach and mentor of the IPL franchise, who made the announcement on Monday (July 1). The 39-year-old had recently retired from all forms of the game after the conclusion of IPL 2024.

Karthik was a piece of the Indian crew that won the inaugural T20 World Cup back in 2007 and has played each and every edition of the IPL until his retirement. He has had two different stints as a player with RCB with the most recent one from 2022-24 proving to be more productive.

His phenomenal run as a finisher in the 2022 season saw him get picked in the Indian crew for the T20 World Cup in Australia. Despite the fact that he had a lukewarm season in 2023, Karthik bowed out on a high earlier this year, scoring more than 300 runs at a heavenly strike pace of 187.36.

In a recent interview with livecricketbd, Karthik talked wanting to give back to the game by becoming a coach. "Coaching and broadcasting is the thing I'm thinking I'll mix soon. It's not as simple as it looks. But I must admit, a couple of the players who've played in RCB itself are exceptionally quick to come and work with me in Chennai. Thus, that is a positive. It's exceptionally exciting," he had told livecricketbd.

Reacting to the news of his appointment, Karthik said: ""Coaching at a professional level is incredibly exciting for myself and is something I'm really passionate probably as a new chapter in my life. Ideally, the broadness of my experiences as a player can contribute to the development of the group and bring added esteem.

"I believe that cricket achievement hinges not only on technical proficiency but also on match intelligence and composure. I am anxious to coach and mentor our batting group, helping them to not only refine their method but also to foster the sharp match mindfulness expected to succeed under tension. It's also great that I can continue my association with RCB as the franchise continues to move from strength to strength," he added.

RCB's director of cricket Mo Bobat communicated his delight at the acquisition and excitement at the possibility of Karthik instilling his qualities and values in the ongoing yield of players at the franchise.

"DK is an astounding addition to our coaching group. He was thrilling to watch on the field, and I'm certain he will be similarly as impactful as a coach. His longevity and history as a player says a lot about his skill and dedication. I know he will bring that same quality and commitment to this new professional chapter.

DK's experiences across both international cricket and the IPL, make him an enormous asset to RCB. I have almost certainly that our players will benefit tremendously from his master support. As a player, DK demonstrated an elite mindset under tension and a genuine drive to continue to develop his game. I'm looking forward to him instilling those same qualities and values into our players, and in particular, our hitters. We have exciting times ahead and it's great as far as we're concerned that we can retain DK's involvement, as someone who knows the stuff to play for RCB and our special fans," Bobat said