• Source:JND
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru have appointed Dinesh Karthik as their new batting coach and mentor ahead of the IPL 2025.

Karthik retired from IPL cricket after the 2024 edition but will now be back with the franchise but in a new role.

RCB had a memorable campaign in the IPL 2024 as they successfully made it to the playoffs but suffered a defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.

โ€œWelcome our keeper in every sense, Dinesh Karthik back into RCB in an all-new avatar. DK will be the batting coach and mentor of RCB Menโ€™s team,โ€ RCB posted on X.

โ€œYou can take the man out of cricket but not cricket out of the man! ๐Ÿ™Œ Shower him with all the love, 12th Man Army.โ€

RCB still haven't won an IPL trophy and the presence of Karthik, one of their legendary players, will be expected to bring new confidence and passion to the franchise.

Terming this an exciting opportunity, Karthik stated: "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 bring added value.

"I believe that cricket success hinges not only on technical proficiency but also on match intelligence and composure. I am eager to coach and mentor our batting group, helping them to not only refine their method but also to develop the keen match awareness needed 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," he stated in a release issued by RCB.

Karthik had a remarkable season in the IPL 2024 with the bat, having scored 326 runs at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 187.36.

The veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter had two stints at RCB, first joining them for one season in 2015 before returning in 2022 and ending his IPL career with the Reds.

Karthik finished as the tournament's 10th-highest run-getter with 4842 runs to his name in 257 IPL career matches at an average of 26.31 and a strike rate of 135.36.

Having played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mumbai Indians, RCB, Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders, Karthik remained IPL's one of the most decorated players.

He won the IPL title with Mumbai Indians in the 2013 edition.