This is what Dinesh Karthik’s IPL career has looked like!
Karthik’s batting strike rate never went above 135 in his first three years with the Delhi Daredevils. It dropped to 128 in 2011 with Kings XI Punjab. And sank to 111 in 2012 after joining Mumbai Indians on a reported fee of $2.35 million.
From the Daredevils to Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions, and Kolkata Knight Riders till 2021. Karthik had only one breakout season — in 2018 when he aggregated 498 runs at a strike rate of 147.77.
Later Seasons Saw Karthik Adapt + Excel
He went back to RCB in 2022 and had a season to remember. With a striking rate of 183.33, but more crucially, hitting 22 sixes alongside 27 boundaries.
Throughout this time, Karthik batted at no particular position for a long time. He has been most productive at tight ends of the innings, meaning he never really got to face more than 10-12 balls per inning.
That has changed this season (he averages more than 17 balls faced per inning) primarily. Because of RCB’s occasional batting implosions, he has cashed in on the longer stints. The number of sixes he has hit — already 18 compared to 16 boundaries — has led to a career-high strike rate of 205.45.
Karthik, 38, attributes this to having more clarity about his batting than ever. “These days as a player, you need to understand your strengths. I’m not a Russell or a Pollard who can just mishit a ball and get a six for it.” Karthik said ahead of RCB’s match against KKR here on Sunday.
“So, I need to understand how I can beat gaps, what sort of balls I can hit for boundaries. And I realized there was a certain pattern in which bowlers were bowling to me, so I needed to try and work out a solution for that.”
“Hence, when I practice, I try and understand, okay, if this is what they’re going to bowl at me, how am I going to get a boundary, visualizing a field that is going to be in place for me? So, I worked like that, and I worked backward, and that helped me, you know, really develop a couple of shots more, at the back end. It’s been great to go out there and express myself, and it’s been thoroughly enjoyable to do what I’m doing for RCB as a finisher.”
Karthik’s Ambitions for T20 World Cup
Right now, Karthik may not seem to be a frontrunner to make the T20 World Cup squad. While Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and KL Rahul are already making the wicketkeeper-batter slot a difficult one to call. Much could change if he continues to bat this way. Karthik too is eager to give it a mighty shot, having last played for India in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
“At this stage in my life, it would be the greatest feeling for me to represent India. I’m very, very keen to do so. There is nothing bigger in my life than representing India in this T20 World Cup.”
“I also feel there are three very, very stable, honest people who are at the helm to decide what should be the best Indian team for the World Cup — Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar. And I’m completely with them. I respect any decision that they make.”
About the Author
Zartash Zulfiqar is a passionate cricket writer with a love for cricket that shines through in every word. From match analyses to player profiles, she delivers insightful commentary that resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest from the world of cricket, brought to you by Zartash.
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