Dinesh Karthik takes on coaching role with Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed Dinesh Karthik as the batting coach and mentor for their men's team. 

Karthik, retired from all forms of cricket after the 2024 IPL season, where he was a key player for RCB.

Karthik joined RCB in 2022 and played three seasons with the team. He had also played for them in 2015. In his final IPL season, Karthik scored 326 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 187.35. Throughout his career with RCB, he played 60 matches, scored 937 runs at an average of 24.65, and had a strike rate of 162.95. Karthik's contributions included 36 catches and nine stumpings. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer for RCB among Indian players, only behind Virat Kohli.

Karthik expressed his excitement about taking on this new role in a press release. He emphasized that he is passionate about coaching and hopes to use his playing experience to help the team develop. He mentioned that cricket success is not just about technical skills but also about match intelligence and staying calm under pressure. Karthik said he is eager to help the batting group refine their methods and develop the awareness needed to perform well in high-pressure situations. He also expressed happiness at continuing his association with RCB.

Karthik recently gained coaching experience with the England Lions during their tour of India earlier this year. He helped the team prepare by being part of the coaching staff for the first nine days of the tour. At RCB, he will work alongside head coach Andy Flower, bowling coach Adam Griffith, and director of cricket Mo Bobat.

Bobat welcomed Karthik to the coaching team, praising his playing skills and dedication. He expressed confidence that Karthik will bring the same quality and commitment to his coaching role.

Karthik is one of only seven players to have played in every IPL season since the tournament began in 2008. Over his IPL career, he played for six different teams, including Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB. He played a total of 257 matches, scored 4,842 runs, with an average of 26.31 and a strike rate of 135.36. Karthik also made 22 half-centuries. As a wicketkeeper, he has the second-most dismissals in IPL history with 174, just behind MS Dhoni's 190.

Karthik's international career includes 26 Test matches, 94 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 60 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for India. He made his debut for India in an ODI against England in 2004.