Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik has ranked the franchise’s maiden IPL title win in 2025 above the championship he secured with Mumbai Indians as a player in 2013. He also believes the RCB triumph stands alongside India’s historic 2007 ICC World Twenty20 victory, where he was part of the squad.
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RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, ended their long wait for a first IPL trophy by defeating Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium last year.
“A few days ago, somebody asked me what my highlight in a cricketing career was. Obviously, the World Cup I was part of is right up there, but the RCB win was also right up there,” Karthik said on the RCB Podcast.
“An MI win as a player was a great one too, but the RCB win just pips it because of the fact that we waited 18 years for it. It’s a long wait. We all know how passionate the fans are. You almost feel a sense of yearning and giving back when you finally win,” he added.
Karthik says the maiden title was dedicated to RCB’s loyal supporters, who stood by the team through highs and lows.
“The first one was for the fans. They’ve been with us through thick and thin, constantly supporting us. It was said in the dressing room as well – if we cross the line, it’s for the fans. That was a very special feeling,” he said.
The latter stages of IPL 2025 were briefly halted due to Operation Sindoor, and Karthik highlighted how the team managed to retain momentum despite the interruption.
“We went through a lot last year. The country itself went through a bit towards the back end of the tournament, and we had to reassess, regroup and start again in many ways. It’s one thing having momentum on your side, and then there’s a sudden break, and you come back. The way we managed to get past a couple of games and play solid cricket, all teams played good cricket, the standard of the IPL is unparalleled right now,” he said.
One of the defining images of RCB‘s win over Punjab Kings was Virat Kohli overcome with emotion before celebrating alongside former teammates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle.
“To win a tournament like that is never easy. It felt ecstatic, ethereal. I’m very proud to have been part of that moment. It was great to see Virat Kohli in tears, the greatness of AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle being there with us, and the likes of Andy Flower and Mo Bobat putting a team together and doing something very special,” Karthik said.
