Karthik also revealed how Kohli’s words pushed him into RCB coaching role.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik earned a pivotal international recall for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy when he was officially named as the replacement for the injured Manish Pandey.
This opportunity marked the beginning of Karthik’s resurgence in white-ball cricket, a comeback he has credited the then-captain Virat Kohli for backing.
“Virat called me and said, ‘You’re doing really well.’ And then on the physiotherapy table with Basu sir, he said, ‘Dinesh is playing really well, he should be a part of the Champions Trophy squad,’" Karthik recalled during a podcast with Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO.
“An endorsement like that, from a person like him, means a lot," he added.
After an intense 2022 IPL stint together with RCB, Karthik was recalled to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia. At that time, Kohli vocally praised Karthik’s finishing abilities and advocated for his inclusion in the national side.
“He told the world through the media that what I was doing was special and that I should be in the World Cup team. For someone like Virat to acknowledge my journey that meant everything," Karthik stated.
When Dinesh Karthik hung up his playing boots, he was faced with important decisions about his next career steps. Having known him for years, Kohli pushed Karthik to join RCB’s coaching staff.
“He said, ‘I believe you should take it up, because I believe you would be a good coach," Karthik recalled. “His words mean a lot to me because he sees things from a very different lens. We have different personalities, but there is a lot of mutual respect between us."
Karthik and Kohli’s connection extends beyond the cricket pitch as their families are now incredibly close.
Karthik shared how much he enjoys spending time with Kohli, Anushka Sharma, and their family in the UK, cherishing the moments their children get to interact during the IPL and other tours.
“When I go to England, I end up spending a lot of time with Virat, Anushka, and their family," Karthik said.
“Today I see my son interacting with his daughter, Vamika, when we spend time together during IPL and beyond. It’s a nice feeling. It’s something I hold very close to my heart, and I wish it remains that way for a long time."