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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik recently revealed about Virat Kohli's role in his appointment in this new role in 2025. Karthik, who was playing for RCB from 2022 to 2024, was retiring from cricket and subsequently leaving the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well.
The former wicketkeeper-batter revisited how RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, first floated the idea and how Kohli’s backing ultimately convinced him to continue with the franchise in a new capacity.
Virat Kohli’s backing proves decisive after Bobat plants the seed
Karthik explained that the transition from player to coach began during IPL 2024, when Bobat initiated conversations about a potential role within the support staff.
“It manifested when, as I was finishing in 2024, Mo asked me if I would be keen or interested. I was in the middle of the tournament, and it was a very different IPL season – we had lost six out of seven or seven out of eight games, I don’t remember exactly – and we had a mountain to climb. To be fair, nobody gave us a chance.”
Despite being in the middle of a challenging campaign, Karthik admitted he was deeply invested in the discussions around his future.
“But I was so invested in that. We were having discussions while I was playing, and I was also speaking to my wife and Mo. Malolan Rangarajan was also giving me a picture of what it could be if I played. He never told me ‘do this or do that’. He just showed me how it would look.”
Bobat’s clarity and trust played a crucial role in shaping Dinesh Karthik’s decision.
“Mo was very confident I would be useful to the team. I trust Mo a lot – I’ve grown very fond of him and have a very good equation with him. He didn’t convince me, but he showed me exactly what it would look like and told me it’s a good place to be, considering where I was in my career. I completely trusted him, and I dropped the hat,” Karthik said.
However, it was Virat Kohli’s encouragement that ultimately sealed the move.
“In between all of this, towards the back end of the season, I spoke to Virat for a while, and he was very encouraging. He said, ‘Think about it, I think it’s good.’”
“When the offer really came at the end of the season, after I hung my boots, Mo called me and said they were keen. He also said Andy was very happy and they were in a place where they felt a couple of Indian coaching staff would help as well”.
“I remember speaking to Virat again, and he said, ‘You should do it. You would probably fit in quite nicely’. That’s all I needed. Someone like Virat has respect for you, and it is a challenge,” he added.
Active role pays off as RCB end 18-year title wait
Dinesh Karthik’s transition into a mentorship and coaching role proved impactful during the 2025 season. He was one of the most hands-on members of the support staff, closely tracking player development and engaging actively with the squad.
Several behind-the-scenes videos of Karthik interacting with players such as Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd went viral, highlighting his involvement in refining individual performances and team dynamics.
His efforts, combined with the broader coaching unit and squad contributions, culminated in a historic campaign for RCB. The franchise finally ended its long wait for an IPL title, lifting the trophy for the first time in 18 years.
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