The Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik opened up on the support that Virat Kohli had given him in the Indian side. He stated that the former India captain used to advise the selectors to have DK in the squad and he has advocated for him quite a lot.
In fact, even before he became the captain he used to ask the selectors to include Dinesh Karthik in the squad as he was an exciting and talented player. The kind of relationship that they share is truly special as when they have got each other's backs, especially in a player-coach bond, it does the team a world of good.
“Virat has always been supportive. I made my comeback in 2017 when he was the captain,he was the one who called me up and said, ‘You’re going to be here, you’re doing well.’ I remember in 2013 as well, he told Basu sir, ‘Dinesh is playing very well, he should be part of the Champions Trophy squad,’ even though he wasn’t the captain then. Again in 2022, he told the media that Dinesh is playing something special and should be part of India’s T20 World Cup team,” said Dinesh Karthik on the support from Virat Kohli.
From backing DK’s India comeback to shaping RCB’s resurgence
The support that Virat Kohli has shown in his players especially the domestic young talents have been sensational as he has played a crucial role in lifting them up. Players like Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar were introduced in the international stage under his captaincy and they still are a pivotal part of the squad. Dinesh Karthik has shared an excellent bond with Virat Kohli and the two have been playing together for quite a while as well. He was even given an opportunity in the ICC 2022 T20 World Cup and that was an unexpected call-up that came in the way of Dinesh Karthik.
“Even now, when I finished my playing career, he was one of the first people I went to and told, ‘Look, I have this coaching opportunity,’ and he said, ‘You should take it, you can be a good coach.’ His words mean a lot to me. We have a lot of mutual respect for each other. Our families like each other too. It’s not just special to know Virat, but also to spend time with both Virat and Anushka and their family, something I hold very close to my heart. I just hope it remains that way for a long time,” added Dinesh Karthik on his relationship with Virat Kohli.
The former RCB captain has yet again proved his skills in identifying pure talents as he had a major role in Dinesh Karthik taking up a new venture. The introduction of Dinesh Karthik as the mentor of the side has been one of the most significant additions in recent years. Many players such as Jitesh Sharma and Devdutt Padikkal have rediscovered their batting form under his guidance. Above all, he was part of the think tank that helped RCB pick a title-winning squad in the IPL 2025 auction. The RCB fans too will hope that this healthy relationship with Virat Kohli will go on for a long time as it is one of those sporting relationships that will be cherished for a lifetime.
