Dinesh Karthik credits the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and their passionate fanbase for his remarkable comeback to the Indian national team ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Reflecting on a memorable IPL 2022 season, Karthik delivered a series of stellar performances with the bat for RCB, excelling in the finisher role. He amassed 330 runs at an impressive average of 55 and a strike rate of 183.33, performances that reignited his international career.
Following his outstanding IPL stint, Karthik was selected for the T20I series against South Africa, leading to his inclusion in India’s 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia. Karthik attributes this significant career milestone to the unwavering support of RCB fans. “
RCB has been extraordinary. I think RCB basically means the fans. There is nothing else that I can think of when I think of RCB. Yes, Virat Kohli is a very big name and a significant part of RCB, but the fans are even bigger than that,” Dinesh Karthik remarked.
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The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman emphasized the profound impact of the fanbase on his selection for the World Cup. “The amount of love I received – I sometimes feel the 2022 World Cup, when I got picked, it was because of RCB’s fans. There was such a huge wave of people saying DK has to be there. I’ll never forget it,” he added.
Dinesh Karthik, who recently played his final IPL match for RCB in their Eliminator loss to Rajasthan Royals, expressed his eternal gratitude to the fans for their role in his India comeback.
Dinesh Karthik said – “I feel in 2022 T20 World Cup when I did get picked it was because of RCB’s fans. There was such a huge RCB fans saying DK has to be there and to make at the age of 37 and that something I’ll never ever forget. RCB & RCB’s fans is very special for me”. pic.twitter.com/vZBdYIzz7a
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“To make a comeback at the age of 37, when I hadn’t played international cricket for quite a long time, I really feel RCB and RCB fans have played a very important part in that small episode of me going back and representing India in the World Cup. I’ll always be thankful for them,” he said.
Dinesh Karthik also touched upon the rivalry between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, acknowledging the warmth and acceptance he received from Bengaluru fans despite this competitive backdrop.
“There’s always a massive rivalry between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in cricket. The fact that I’ve played for Bengaluru and fans have embraced me like one of their own is something I’m very proud of,” he said.
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Reflecting on his extensive career, Karthik expressed satisfaction with his journey, marked by numerous highs and lows. “I’m very happy with my career. A lot of good things in my life have come from victories as a team and some low moments as well. But we have always stuck together. Be it the 2007 T20 World Cup or winning the first title for Tamil Nadu in T20 cricket,” he said.
Karthik reminisced about the significant milestones in his career, including the 2013 Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni. “It’s been a very good journey, one that has taught me and molded me into the person I am today. There have been great memories,” he added.
He also highlighted one of the most memorable moments of his career, the last-ball six in the Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh in 2018.
“I am sure when you think of me as a cricketer, the first thing that comes to mind is the Nidahas Trophy. That was a very important match in my life. Then my journey with KKR as a captain and doing well for them, and winning my first IPL title with Mumbai Indians, there have been plenty of great moments,” he said.
