Bengaluru, April 2: Former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik is serving as the batting coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2026. He emphasized that his primary role is to understand each player’s needs and prepare them for various match situations.
Karthik’s coaching impact is evident in the team’s performance. In their opening match of IPL 2026, RCB easily chased down a target of 202 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad in just 15.4 overs. This emphatic victory at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium showcases the team’s strong preparation and ability to perform under pressure.
He noted that the team comprises players with different roles and challenges. For instance, while Phil Salt faces the swing of the new ball, Romario Shepherd may not find swing as challenging at that level. Karthik explained that this is why his job as a coach is to prepare each player according to the conditions they will face.
The former cricketer stated that coaching goes beyond just teaching techniques; understanding the player is equally important. According to Karthik, players are often very experienced, so instead of overwhelming them with information, it is crucial to provide the right guidance and trust them. He also found his broadcasting experience beneficial, as commentary allowed him to observe various players and teams closely, helping him understand their strengths and weaknesses. This skill translates into concise communication, which is invaluable in coaching.
This season, RCB has shown balance and stability in their batting lineup. Karthik develops tailored practice plans for each player. For example, specific preparations are in place for Tim David to perform well in particular situations. Drills are designed according to his strengths to enhance his performance in matches.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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