Dinesh Karthik commented on the passionate devotion of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans during the team’s tough times in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. He recognized both the positive and negative sides of their strong emotions towards player performances.
Dinesh Karthik was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad in the IPL 2015 season and later rejoined the team in 2022. Known for his role as a reliable finisher, he has scored 701 runs at an average of 22.61 and a strike rate of 154.74. Karthik has garnered popularity among fans, with chants of ‘DK’ echoing in stadiums during RCB matches.
Dinesh Karthik Opens On RCB’s “Loyalist” Fanbase
During a conversation on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Dinesh Karthik underlined the loyalty of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) fanbase, comparing them to a close-knit family. Karthik pointed out that RCB fans passionately support their players and fiercely defend them against criticism from outsiders. DK said:
“RCB fans are loyalists. They are actually family, and I say that in good and bad ways. The good way is that when you go, no matter what happens, if I walk in, they will cheer my name and make me feel like I’m the greatest player on Earth. What I mean by that is that to the outside world, they will never give up on you. If there is a fight between say you know some team and they say, “Oh, X is not a good player,” they will pounce on that person,”
Dinesh Karthik stands out as one of the few players who have participated in every IPL season since its inception in 2008. With just two missed matches, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman boasts an impressive record. Over the years, he has played for six different teams in the tournament.
Dinesh Karthik began his IPL journey with the Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals now) before moving to Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings now) in 2011. He played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ title victory in 2013 before rejoining Delhi in 2014. Subsequently, he represented the Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017 before joining the Kolkata Knight Riders for four seasons.
Dinesh Karthik disclosed that RCB fans can be critical of player performances. He highlighted the noticeable difference between their outward support and internal scrutiny, emphasizing the lofty standards fans uphold during the IPL.
“On a personal level, that same fan will abuse me silently in DMs every day, rather than on a one-on-one note. He will go hard at me if I don’t do well for RCB; he will smash me, not just me, my family, and whoever is possible in my life. But to the outside world, They will not give up an RCB player,” Karthik added.
Dinesh Karthik – “RCB Fans will abuse me in DMs everyday and they will go hard at me, if I don’t do well for the team. not just me, my family and whoever is possible in my life.”
pic.twitter.com/MsfGGfHzW9— 🜲 (@balltamperrer) April 7, 2024
Dinesh Karthik has been a standout finisher for RCB this IPL season, showing improvement from last year. However, RCB’s overall performance has been inconsistent, with just one win in five matches.
RCB will now face Mumbai Indians next on April 11th.
