Virat Kohli, the star batter of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), recently lauded wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, describing him as possessing ‘outstanding talent’ and being a ‘brilliant batter’ to behold. Karthik bid his potential farewell on the cricket field during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 eliminator match between RCB and the Rajasthan Royals.
In a video shared on RCB’s official social media platform, Virat Kohli reminisced about his initial encounter with Karthik during the Champions Trophy 2009, where he found the wicketkeeper-batter to be quite amusing.
“The first time I met DK, I remember we were playing in South Africa, if I am not mistaken, in the Champions Trophy 2009. It was the first time I shared the changing room with Dinesh, and I found him to be very amusing, I would say hyperactive, confused person, most of the time he was moving all over the place, never stopping. That was my first impression of Dinesh,” Virat Kohli shared.
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While Karthik hasn’t formally announced his retirement from the IPL, hints dropped throughout the tournament suggested that the ongoing season might be his last for his franchise. As RCB faced defeat against RR, Karthik was accorded a guard of honor by his teammates as he made his way back to the dressing room.
“Outstanding talent, brilliant batter to watch, and my first impression and present-day impression are not far apart. Just that he has become wiser and calmed down a lot,” Virat Kohli reflected.
Virat Kohli also revealed how Karthik supported him during a period of low confidence, particularly in the 2022 IPL season when Kohli was struggling.
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“Off the field, I have had some really nice and interesting conversations with him. He is a wise man and has great knowledge about a lot of things, not just cricket. I have thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him. Even in that phase in 2022 when I did not have a great IPL season, I was really struggling for confidence, he sat me down a couple of times and gave me a very honest explanation of how he saw things and maybe I am not able to see them myself,” Virat Kohli added.
DK, We love you! ❤
Not often do you find a cricketer who’s loved by everyone around him. DK is one, because he was smart, humble, honest, and gentle! Celebrating @DineshKarthik‘s career with stories from his best friends and family! 🤗#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #WeLoveYouDK pic.twitter.com/fW3bLGMQER
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 24, 2024
In his illustrious IPL career spanning over 17 years, Dinesh Karthik represented six franchises in the cash-rich league. Making his debut in the inaugural season in 2008 with the Delhi Daredevils, he subsequently played for Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB. He capped off the ongoing season with 326 runs in 15 matches, boasting an average of 36.22 and an impressive strike rate of 187.36.
