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    Dinesh Karthik - the inspiration that RCB needs - has been present all along
Dinesh Karthik - the inspiration that RCB needs - has been present all along
Dinesh Karthik continues to find a way. Source: BCCI

Dinesh Karthik - the inspiration that RCB needs - has been present all along

Dinesh Karthik, despite being almost 39 years old and having limited game time throughout the year, is not opposed to defying his age.

A few seasons ago, he delivered an exceptional campaign for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore), and he has continued to perform at a high level in IPL 2024.

A setback in 2023 could have ended his career, but he persevered. He has been one of the few bright spots in RCB's otherwise dismal campaign, making the most of his last chance.

On Thursday evening, Karthik scored his 21st IPL half-century, which almost single-handedly propelled his team to a score of 196/8 during the slog overs. He was the saviour amidst the thunder of Jasprit Bumrah's masterful spell, providing the oxygen that kept the flame flickering for RCB.

Once again, the RCB bowlers had a poor performance, which could be considered the worst display of IPL 2024 so far. This has left Bengaluru's campaign in limbo as the Mumbai Indians (MI) easily achieved the target with 27 deliveries to spare.

However, it is important to discuss Karthik and his impressive comeback in what has been a tumultuous career.

Dinesh Karthik played skillfully against MI's bowlers at the Wankhede Stadium

On Thursday, RCB finally gave in to calls for Will Jacks's inclusion and handed him his cap. This came at the cost of Cameron Green, the man they traded, which in turn freed up MI's purse to welcome Hardik Pandya back into their fold. This situation sums up their miseries in this campaign.

But let's focus on the free bird rather than the free purse. A few seasons ago, I expressed my opinion that Karthik was like a fine wine, improving with age. Taking on the role previously held by AB de Villiers, he demonstrated his full range of shots in the death overs and finished the season with 330 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 183.33. Of those runs, 242 were scored in the last four overs, with his strike-rate increasing to 220.

His impressive statistics earned him a recall to the Indian T20 team in a World Cup year. He openly expressed his desire to make a significant contribution to his country, and his hard work paid off as he travelled to Australia. Although Karthik's performance at the World Cup was not inspiring, his journey back into the national team was a story worth telling.

Karthik's future as a player was in doubt after scoring only one-hundred and forty runs in IPL 2023, with an average of 11.67 and a strike rate of 134.61. Additionally, his performance as a wicketkeeper was not coming satisfactory. His age, waning reflexes, and lack of game time all suggested that his career was coming to an end.

However, the man had different ideas. A well-known voice behind the microphone, whom Michael Atherton famously dubbed the 'Giorgio Armani of broadcasting', has brought both style and substance to the forefront in his distinctive manner with the bat.

It has been reminiscent of 2022 in many ways. Chants of 'DK, DK' can be heard whenever he comes out to bat, and his shots on both sides of the wicketkeeper have once again become the hallmark of his batting. During the match against MI, he was given a tough task - being asked to bat after two quick wickets and facing Shreyas Gopal's leg-spin, despite having a spin-hitter in Mahipal Lomror waiting in the sheds.

He walked out in the 13th over, which was far from his ideal entry point. This was another example of RCB's muddled decision-making. They went from not giving him a single delivery to face against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to giving him more than what was ideal.

Karthik was not confused. The way he outplayed Akash Madhwal in the 16th over exemplified his skill.

During the over, the batsman executed two reverse laps over the wicketkeeper and short third man, effectively thwarting the bowler's plan. He managed to place the third boundary between the aforementioned fielders after a late adjustment. He also hit a fourth boundary, although it came with some luck. In T20 cricket, luck is often necessary.

A few authoritative pulls, a carve over the third man, and a flat six over extra cover brought back memories of the Nidahas Trophy-winning hit - off Bumrah no less - showcasing an exceptional display of hitting.

Not only did he score an unbeaten 53 off 23 deliveries, but he also impressively toyed with the MI attack. On the same day, only Rajat Patidar demonstrated similar control with the bat for RCB. It was a performance that exceeded expectations, especially considering that his last competitive game before IPL 2024 was in December 2023.

Like an uncaged bird, Karthik is now free

One day after his unbeaten 28-run performance helped RCB secure their first - and so far, only - victory of IPL 2024 against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Karthik posted a picture on social media with a playful caption:

“Me seeing those 'It's a World Cup year's memes”

In a World Cup year, Karthik is performing exceptionally well. The internet has not missed the chance to highlight this fact. Karthik's sense of humour in the commentary box has endeared him to his listeners. He was pleased to join in and have some fun himself.

The post also conveyed a concise message about a man who is likely to be playing his final IPL season, based on his comments to Nasser Hussain and Atherton on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

In 2022, Karthik was motivated to prove a point and regain his spot in the Indian team. He had a sensational campaign and hopes to continue his success. Currently, India's wicket-keeper's spot is uncertain with the T20 World Cup approaching.

This is about a player who has already proven himself and now wants to entertain the crowd and fulfill the wishes of those cheering for him in the stands. He wants to enjoy his last few days holding a cricket bat in recognized top-level cricket.

The unrestrained bird is hitting the ball into the stands with ease once again, showcasing a similar performance in 2022 and 2024 despite different mindsets. RCB can draw inspiration from their ageless veteran, who is 38 years old.

RCB needs to play a fearless brand of cricket where every team member enjoys the sport. Their campaign has reached a point where they have nothing left to prove. This liberation can be similar to Karthik's free-flowing gameplay if they choose to play that way.

The team has an inspirational figure among their ranks who has defied the odds and continues to do so. It is up to the rest of the team to embody these qualities and salvage what remains of this campaign.

Regarding Karthik, we should appreciate his batting as neutral observers for as long as it lasts. This IPL season has been unique in many ways, with the old guard making way for the next generation in terms of leadership. As for the players themselves, one of the few remaining from the inaugural season may soon be replaced.

As long as he is present, he will spare no effort in captivating his teammates and fans. His full range of strokes will continue to be a spectacle to witness.

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