Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Former India cricketer, Dinesh Karthik, who hung his boots from all formats of cricket after the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, has rejoined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as their Batting Coach and Mentor. The Bengaluru-based franchise on Monday, July 1 took to social media to announce Dinesh Karthik as their batting coach and mentor for the upcoming edition of the IPL.
“Welcome our keeper in every sense, 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗸, back into RCB in an all new avatar. DK will be the 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 of RCB Men’s team! 🤩🫡” RCB captioned a post on X. “You can take the man out of cricket but not cricket out of the man! 🙌 Shower him with all the love, 12th Man Army! ❤️” RCB captioned their post.
Dinesh Karthik, who has had a prolific career as a cricket commentator too apart from his on-field heroics, decided to end his IPL career after an impressive season in 2024. He finished the IPL 2024 having amassed 326 runs from 15 matches at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 187.35 with two half-centuries to his name.
Taking to social media, DK wrote, "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.”
"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.
Speaking of RCB’s campaign in IPL 2024, the franchise finished at fourth place after they were beaten by Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad by four wickets. While Virat Kohli finished as their leading run-getter with 741 runs from 15 matches, also winning the Orange Cap, Yash Dayal finished as their top wicket-taker with 15 wickets from 14 matches.
