Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed Dinesh Karthik as the batting coach and mentor for their men's team.
Karthik, 39, was part of the RCB squad until IPL 2024, after which he retired from all forms of representative cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter was acquired by RCB in the IPL 2022 mega auction and played for them for three seasons. He had previously played a season with them in 2015. Karthik concluded his IPL career with an impressive 326 runs in 13 innings in the 2024 season, boasting a strike rate of 187.35. Over his career with RCB, he played 60 matches, scoring 937 runs at an average of 24.65 and a strike rate of 162.95, making him the second-highest Indian run-scorer for RCB in the IPL after Virat Kohli. Additionally, he took 36 catches and made nine stumpings during his RCB tenure.
"Coaching at a professional level is incredibly exciting for me and is something I'm truly passionate about as a new chapter in my life. Hopefully, the breadth of my experiences as a player can contribute to the development of the group and added value," Karthik expressed in a press release.
"Cricket success relies not only on technical skills but also on match intelligence and composure. I am eager to coach and mentor our batting group, helping them to refine their techniques and develop the necessary match awareness to excel under pressure. It's also great that I can continue my association with RCB as the franchise continues to move from strength to strength."
Recently, Karthik joined the England Lions coaching staff during their tour of India in January, assisting in the squad's preparations for the first nine days of the tour. At RCB, he will collaborate with head coach Andy Flower, bowling coach Adam Griffith, and director of cricket Mo Bobat.
"DK is an excellent addition to our coaching group," Bobat remarked. "He was thrilling to watch on the field, and I'm sure he will be just as impactful as a coach. His longevity and track record as a player speak volumes about his skill and dedication. I know he will bring that same quality and commitment to this new professional chapter."
Karthik is one of only seven players to have participated in every IPL edition since its inception in 2008. Throughout his IPL career, he represented six teams: Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB.
Overall, he played 257 IPL matches, scoring 4842 runs at an average of 26.31 and a strike rate of 135.36, with 22 half-centuries. As a wicketkeeper, Karthik ranks second (174 dismissals) behind MS Dhoni (190).
Karthik also played 26 Tests, 94 ODIs, and 60 T20Is for India, debuting in an ODI against England in 2004.