Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Dinesh Karthik as the batting coach and batting mentor of their men’s Indian Premier League (IPL) team.

The 39-year-old Karthik retired from all forms of representative cricket at the end of the 2024 IPL season. The wicketkeeper-batter was a part of the RCB franchise since the IPL 2022 mega auction and stayed with them for three seasons. He also had a stint with them in 2015 for one season.

Karthik finished his IPL career on a high with 326 runs from 13 innings in the 2024 season at a strike rate of 187.35. Overall, Karthik played 60 games for RCB in the tournament and scored 937 runs at an average of 24.65 and a strike rate of 162.95. His run tally is currently the second-highest for an Indian player for RCB in the IPL behind Virat Kohli. Karthik also took 36 catches and affected nine stumpings during his RCB career.

“Coaching at a professional level is incredibly exciting for me and is something I’m truly passionate about as a new chapter in my life. Hopefully, the breadth of my experiences as a player can contribute to the development of the group and add value,” Karthik said.

“I believe that cricket success hinges not only on technical proficiency but also on match intelligence and composure. I am eager to coach and mentor our batting group, helping them to not only refine their method but also to develop the keen match awareness needed to excel under pressure. It’s also great that I can continue my association with RCB as the franchise continues to move from strength to strength,” he added.

At RCB, Karthik will work alongside head coach Andy Flower, bowling coach Adam Griffith and director of cricket Mo Bobat.

“DK is an excellent addition to our coaching group,” Bobat said. “He was thrilling to watch on the field, and I’m sure he will be just as impactful as a coach. His longevity and track record as a player speaks volumes about his skill and dedication. I know he will bring that same quality and commitment to this new professional chapter.”

Karthik has very little coaching experience, and the only one was when he was roped in by the England Cricket Board to mentor the England Lions when they toured India in January earlier this year.