“Welcome 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 Men’s team! You can take the man out of cricket but not cricket out of the man! Shower him with all the love, 12th Man Army!,” RCB posted on ‘X’ on Monday.
On June 1, Karthik had announced his retirement after playing for RCB in IPL-2024, where he scored 326 runs in 15 matches at an average of 36.22 and a strike-rate of 187.35 with 2 half-centuries and a top score of 83.
The 39-year-old Karthik had recently announced his retirement from the game in an emotional statement. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the affection, support and love I have received in the last few days. My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible,” Karthik said.
Karthik played for six IPL teams in the IPL- Delhi Daredevils (2008-14), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings – 2011), Mumbai Indians (2012-13), Gujarat Lions (2016-17), Kolkata Knight Riders (2018-21) and RCB (2015, 2022-present).
In 256 matches, he scored 4816 runs at an average of nearly 26, with a strike rate of over 135 with 22 half centuries. As a keeper, Karthik is second on list behind Dhoni in overall dismissals (172) as well as stumpings (36).