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In a recent interview on Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel, Dinesh Karthik shed light on the unique relationship between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their passionate fanbase. Karthik, who returned to the RCB fold in 2022 after leaving the franchise in 2015, has himself experienced both the aspects of their fans' devotion towards the franchise. Having emerged as a dependable finisher with over 700 runs at a robust strike rate, he's become a fan favourite, often greeted by chants of ‘DK’ during matches. Speaking about the RCB fanbase, Karthik emphasised their unwavering loyalty. He compared them to a close-knit family, fiercely protective of their players when facing criticism.
Dinesh Karthik on RCB's fanbase
"RCB fans are loyalists. They are actually family, and I say that in good and bad ways. The good way is that when you go, no matter what happens, if I walk in, they will cheer my name and make me feel like I'm the greatest player on Earth. What I mean by that is that to the outside world, they will never give up on you. If there is a fight between say you know some team and they say, “Oh, X is not a good player,” they will pounce on that person," Karthik said.
A true veteran of the IPL, Dinesh Karthik holds a unique record of playing in every season since the league's debut in 2008. Remarkably, he's only missed two matches in his entire IPL career. This longevity has seen him wear the jerseys of six different franchises throughout the years. DK, as he's fondly called by fans, began his IPL journey with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). In 2011, he moved to Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). He then played a pivotal role in the Mumbai Indians' maiden IPL title win in 2013 before returning to Delhi in 2014. After a stint with the Gujarat Lions (now defunct) in 2016 and 2017, he spent four seasons with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Finally, in 2022, he returned to RCB, where he's become a fan favourite.
However, Karthik sheds light on the double-edged sword of RCB's passionate fanbase. While acknowledging their unwavering public support, he also reveals a side of criticism behind closed doors. He highlights the high expectations RCB fans have for their team, which can sometimes translate into harsh scrutiny of player performances. This creates a situation where the intense loyalty is coupled with a demand for consistent excellence.
Fans will go hard at me if I don't do well: Karthik
"On a personal level, that same fan will abuse me silently in DMs every day, rather than on a one-on-one note. He will go hard at me if I don't do well for RCB; he will smash me, not just me, my family, and whoever is possible in my life. But to the outside world, They will not give up an RCB player," Karthik further added.
Despite their struggles in the ongoing IPL 2024, RCB can find solace in the resurgent form of veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. This might be Karthik's last IPL season, and he's determined to go out on a high. His finishing prowess has seen a significant improvement compared to 2023, and he played a key role in RCB's only win so far against the Punjab Kings. Across two innings, he amassed an impressive 90 runs at an average of 45 and a blistering strike rate of 173. However, the team as a whole is facing an uphill battle for consistency. Currently languishing near the bottom of the IPL 2024's points table with just one win in five matches, they'll need more collective efforts to climb out of the hole. Their next challenge comes against the Mumbai Indians on Thursday, April 11 at the Wankhede Stadium.
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