I think AB will be very proud: Virat Kohli on Dinesh Karthik’s special knock

Dinesh Karthik has been in sublime form in IPL 2022 and his blitzkriegs have been just too swashbuckling to be denied. It feels as if someone has turned the clock back for a marauding DK who has been picking up bowlers at will.

He emerged as RCB’s savior again on the last night as he played a gem of a knock that saw the Challengers turning the tide around from a wobbling 92 for 5 to a dominating 189 for 5 as they took out the Delhi Capitals comfortably.

In a rare interview where the former Indian captain, Virat Kohli was seen playing the host, Dinesh Karthik opened up about his imminent goals for life and what inspired him to be at his phenomenal best.

Talking about his goals, Karthik said, “There is a small term goal and there's a bigger vision as well. The small-term goal is to obviously do very well for RCB. I think credit to the RCB backroom staff. The day I got picked Sanjay Bhai (Bangar) called me and said 'DK you'll be playing the finisher's role'. We have lost out on AB, we can't replace him with anybody half as good. We need 2-3 players to do that role'. He is that good. Then I took it upon myself to figure out that 'okay, this is what I want to do.”

He also opened up about his World Cup vision. “The bigger vision is that I want to play for the country. I know there is a World Cup around the corner. I want to be part of that World Cup desperately and help India cross that line. It's been a long time since India won a multi-nation tournament. I want to be that person who is helping India do that. For that, you need to be aware of so many things, try and be that player who people think 'hey this guy is doing something special,” he said.

He concluded on a note, saying, “Every day I practice with that intent in my mind. Credit to my coach who has put me through so many drills to make sure I get the best out of myself. As you grow older, it's important to stay fit. I have tried my best to do it. I am so happy contributing to RCB. This is my 2nd time with RCB and I wanted to do something special. For a start, it feels privileged that you're asking me these questions.”

Virat Kohli was extremely happy with the way DK placed his innings and didn’t miss out on the opportunity to lionize RCB’s clinical finisher. VK said, “You mentioned AB and I think AB will be very proud watching from Pretoria, sitting at home and watching you finish games for us and take the team across the line.”