Virat Kohli Thanks Dinesh Karthik: : Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli paid a poignant tribute to his teammate Dinesh Karthik. DK played his final IPL game after RCB were eliminated from the 2024 season by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator. Karthik, 38, declared ahead of the season that he would leave the IPL after the 2024 edition.
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Virat Kohli Thanks Dinesh Karthik’s Support
In a video posted by RCB on their Twitter handle, Kohli spoke highly of Karthik, recalling how the veteran wicket-keeper batsman had helped him during a difficult phase in his career. Kohli expressed gratitude for Karthik’s wisdom and knowledge beyond cricket, highlighting the valuable conversations they shared off the field. “Off the field, I have had some really nice and interesting conversations with him,” Kohli said. “He is a wise man, has great knowledge about a lot of things, not just cricket. I have thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him.”
Karthik’s Support During Kohli’s Struggle
Kohli specifically mentioned how Karthik had sat him down during the 2022 IPL season, when Kohli was grappling with poor form and confidence. “Even in that phase in 2022 when I did not have a great IPL season, I was really struggling for confidence, he sat me down a couple of times and gave me a very honest explanation of how he is seeing things and maybe I am not able to see them myself,” Kohli revealed. Kohli, who scored only 341 runs at an average of under 23 and a strike rate of 116 in 16 games in IPL 2022, praised Karthik’s honesty and courage to speak his mind.
Karthik’s Contribution to RCB In 2024
Karthik’s final IPL season was marked by considerable contributions, including 326 runs at an excellent average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 187.35 in 15 games. His ability to perform well under duress and provide essential support in critical situations was critical to RCB’s playoff success.
Eliminator Loss: Karthik’s Final Innings
In the Eliminator against RR, RCB batters struggled as the team only scored 172/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Karthik, playing his final IPL game, couldn’t fire as he only managed 11 runs off 13 deliveries. His innings didn’t showcase his trademark power-hitting and ability to shift the momentum as he couldn’t capitalize on his great form. As batters struggled, RCB managed to put only 172 runs on the board.
Karthik’s Legacy and Transition
Karthik’s long IPL career spanned 17 seasons and included stints with multiple organizations, demonstrating his adaptability and durability. He concluded his IPL career with 4,842 runs in 257 matches, a strike rate of 135.36, a top score of 97*, and 22 half-centuries.
As Karthik moves on to the next stage of his career, possibly in commentary and coaching, he leaves behind a legacy of determination, versatility, and unflinching dedication to the game. His ability to adapt to changing scenarios and batting positions, combined with his excellent wicket-keeping abilities, made him an invaluable asset to any side he played for.
Kohli’s Talks About Karthik’s Character
Kohli lauded Karthik for his honesty and fortitude in dealing with sensitive situations, underlining their special link as a result of Karthik’s genuineness and readiness to engage in meaningful discussions. “So, I just like his honesty and courage to go and speak to anyone about things that he dearly feels about. And that I think is the most special thing for me when it comes to Dinesh and that’s one thing I have always cherished about him. That’s why we get along really really well,” Kohli said.
Kohli’s First Impression of Karthik
Kohli also shared his first impression of Karthik, which dated back to the 2009 Champions Trophy in South Africa. “First time I met DK, I remember we were playing in South Africa if I am not wrong in the Champions Trophy 2009. It was the first time I shared the change-room with Dinesh and I found him to be very amusing, I would say hyper-active, confused person, most of the times he was moving all over the place, never stopping. That was my first impression of Dinesh. Outstanding talent, brilliant batter to watch and my first impression and present day impression are not far apart. Just that he has become wiser and calmed down a lot,” Kohli recalled.
RCB Heartbreak as RR Steals IPL 2024 Eliminator Victory
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s heartfelt tribute to Dinesh Karthik is a good example of the immense value of friendship, support, and mentoring in the game of cricket. Karthik’s assistance and guidance at trying times epitomizes the spirit of cooperation and friendship, highlighting the enduring relationships forged by similar experiences both on and off the field. Future generations will continue to be inspired by Karthik’s performance as a player and teammate even after he departs the IPL.
