The Aryavarth Express Bengaluru, April 2: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, registering the fastest 200-plus run chase in IPL history. The team chased down Sunrisers Hyderabad’s target in just 15.4 overs, setting a new benchmark in the tournament.RCB’s batting coach Dinesh Karthik credited the team’s success to a player-focused coaching approach.
He emphasised that coaching goes beyond technique and involves understanding each player’s individual needs and mindset.
“Our squad has players at different stages of their careers, but all of them are eager to learn. My role is to understand what each individual requires and prepare them for match situations,” Karthik said.
He explained how different players face different challenges. For instance, openers like Phil Salt often deal with swing early in the innings, while middle-order players like Romario Shepherd encounter entirely different conditions. According to Karthik, helping players adapt to these scenarios and providing timely feedback is key.
“Coaching is as much about understanding the person as it is about the skill,” he added.
Dinesh Karthik also highlighted the importance of clear communication and trust. Drawing from his experience as both a player and a broadcaster, he believes that simplifying complex information helps players perform better under pressure.
Phil Salt praised Karthik’s impact on the team, calling him “a mastermind” who excels at analysing data and breaking it down into simple, actionable insights.
“He’s very detailed and works closely with the coaching staff to make things easy for players to apply on the field. We’re lucky to have him,” Salt said.
Karthik further explained that coaching elite players requires a balanced approach. Instead of over-instructing, he focuses on giving the right inputs and trusting players to make their own decisions during matches.
He also pointed out how his time in broadcasting sharpened his analytical and communication skills, which now play a crucial role in his coaching.
RCB’s strong batting performances this season reflect a structured and adaptable approach. Karthik has been working closely with players like Tim David, designing training sessions that simulate match situations and focus on individual strengths.
“We identify the shots players are most comfortable with and the areas they want to improve. Then we build practice drills around those scenarios,” Dinesh Karthik explained.
With a combination of strategic planning and personalised coaching, RCB appears to have found a winning formula early in the season.
