Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach and mentor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was pulled by former England captain Michael Atherton for his lengthy conversation with Indian legend Virat Kohli at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final vs Punjab Kings (PBKS).
During a strategic timeout, the wicketkeeper-batter was shown talking to Kohli. However, it appeared that the counsel was ineffective, as Virat Kohli was removed in the very next over. Karthik attempted to avoid the topic by laughing when asked about the incident.
“Before the final, I had a feeling that if RCB emerged victorious, you would be the one at the front, holding the trophy, and that’s exactly how it played out. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli was at the back, but you still won the trophy.”
Michael Atherton
“Then, in that final, something caught my attention. During a strategic break, you spent significant time talking to Virat Kohli while he was at the crease. I noticed you gesturing towards him for quite some time, and in the following over, he was dismissed. What exactly did you say to him?”
Michael Atherton
Karthik said he didn’t want to endanger himself by providing the incorrect response.
“That’s probably the toughest question I’ve ever been asked on a podcast. At least I can handle the first part. But for the second, I’m trying to think carefully, without putting myself in danger by giving the wrong answer.”
Dinesh Karthik
Nasser Hussain, the former captain of England, also had a period when Karthik found it difficult to answer the question. “One can say nothing to a legendary batter like Kohli,” Atherton continued.
“I think it’s the first time I’ve seen you speechless. You’re not saying anything.”
Nasser Hussain
“I was just wondering, what could this man possibly be telling one of the greatest batters in cricket history? What advice would he offer him? And then I realised that whatever he said didn’t work, because he was out in the next over.”
Nasser Hussain
