IPL 2022: The Day I Got Picked, Sanjay Bhai Called Me - Dinesh Karthik Reveals His Conversation With Sanjay Bangar

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik opened up on his conversation with head coach Sanjay Bangar after getting picked in the IPL 2022 auction. After being released by KKR, Karthik was sold to RCB for INR 5.5 crore during the auction in February.

The 36-year-old has been phenomenal with his batting performance for RCB in the slog overs, he amassed 197 runs in six innings so far in IPL 2022, striking at 209.57.

IPL 2022: Dinesh Karthik hits 66* vs Delhi Capitals

There was nothing different in the match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday as Karthik slammed 66 runs in 34 balls at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, plundering five boundaries and as many sixes in the course of his whirlwind knock.

Karthik smashed Delhi Capitals pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman for 28 runs (four boundaries and a couple of sixes) in the 18th over to push RCB’s score to 189/5 at the end of their innings.

I credit the RCB backroom staff: Dinesh Karthik

While talking to teammate Virat Kohli after the game, in a video posted on IPLT20.com, Karthik thanked RCB’s coaching staff and mentioned Sanjay Bangar’s requirement from him ahead of the season.

“I think there’s a small-term goal and there’s a bigger version as well. So, I think the small-term goal is to do well for the RCB. So, I think credit to the RCB backroom staff. The day I got picked, Sanjay bhai called and told me, ‘DK you’ll be playing the finisher’s role’.

“We have lost out on AB so we can’t replace him with anybody who is half as good as him. So, we are going to have 2-3 players who will try and do that role. He is that good,” he said. 

“So, then I took it upon myself to figure out that this is what I need to do. I have been practising for so long and that was the small-term goal. The big term goal or rather the bigger vision is to play for the country.

“I know there’s a World Cup around the corner I want to be part of that desperately and help India cross the line. It’s been long since India won a multi-nation tournament and I want to be that person helping India do it,” he added. 

RCB will play their next game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 19 at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Also Read: IPL 2022: AB de Villiers Will Be Proud Watching You Finish Games For RCB- Virat Kohli Lauds Dinesh Karthik