BENGALURU: Dinesh Karthik, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) mentor and batting coach, has reflected on the team’s journey as defending champions in the Indian Premier League (IPL), emphasizing a structured approach to maintaining performance amid the highs and lows of the tournament. Speaking in a freewheeling interview with *The Times of India*, the 40-year-old mentor highlighted how the squad was guided through a clear framework to ensure consistency in their strengths while continuously improving weaker areas.
Karthik underscored the importance of staying fresh throughout the long tournament, noting that the team has focused on reinforcing what they do well and addressing areas for growth. “In terms of results, there were bound to be ups and downs, so the key was to make sure we did the things we were good at very well and the things we could get better at,” he said, adding that the squad remains committed to incremental progress.
On the evolution of Rajat Patidar, who has taken over as RCB’s captain, Karthik described the young batter-turned-leader as remarkably composed under pressure. “It’s been heartwarming to see him remain the same person: cool, calm, and relaxed on and off the field,” he remarked. Karthik, who has known Patidar since their playing days, praised his ability to absorb pressure without showing it, calling it a commendable trait for a captain. “He’s still the person he was before becoming captain, which says a lot about him,” he added, expressing pride in seeing Patidar succeed both as a batter and leader.
The mentor also spoke about the development of Devdutt Padikkal, another Karnataka batter who has refined his game in the IPL. Karthik recalled Padikkal’s willingness to adapt and seek feedback, saying, “He wanted to change certain areas of his game, which he addressed straight away, and we were happy enough to help as a group.” He noted that Padikkal’s confidence and on-field results reflect a young player maturing into a key asset for the team, calling him a “superb talent” whose evolution is a positive sign for RCB.
When discussing the differences between coaching Indian and international players, Karthik explained the need for adaptability. “You have to adapt to international players differently,” he said, citing examples like Tim David and Romario Shepherd, who have distinct personalities and approaches. “They are very independent people, so you need to see what works for them, and sometimes less could be more,” he observed, crediting senior coaches like Andy Flower and Mo Bobat for teaching him how to handle diverse player characters. He stressed that respect is central to all coaching relationships, regardless of origin.
Karthik also shared a heartening interaction with Phil Salt, who acknowledged the coach’s influence on his game. “My role was to understand what Phil was doing and help him enhance his game,” he said, emphasizing Salt’s openness to feedback and their collaborative approach. Such relationships, he noted, are especially rewarding when working with foreign players.
The coach also addressed the mental challenges faced by players not always in the starting XI, urging them not to overthink their selection status. “Being in the IPL's top 11 or 12 doesn’t define you as a player. It's about team combinations; if you’re not in, it doesn’t diminish your value,” he said. He advised players to focus on preparation and avoid overanalyzing their roles, especially for high-pressure roles like finishers.
Speaking about the unique demands of the finisher’s role, Karthik described it as niche and high-risk. “The finisher role is a tough one because you end up not facing as many deliveries as the top order batters,” he explained, stressing the need for finishers to accept both success and failure as part of the job. “You need to be very aware of what success means, being a finisher, and at times how failures can actually be quite misleading,” he said, adding that mental clarity and practice routine are crucial for players in this role.
