'I sometimes think I was picked for 2022 World Cup because of RCB fans': Dinesh Karthik thanks franchise' fanbase for his comeback at age of 37

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik praised the massive fanbase of the franchise after playing his last Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Karthik's IPL career came to an end as RCB lost to RR in IPL 2024 eliminator at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on May 22. 
 

The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain was roped in by the franchise for Rs 5.5 crore in the mega auction. He feels that his teammate Virat Kohli is a big reason for RCB’s fan-following
 

"I think RCB basically means the fans. There is nothing else that I can think of when I think RCB. Yes, Virat Kohli is a very, very big name and he is a large part of RCB. But, I think the fans are bigger than that," Karthik said in a video posted by RCB.

Karthik in his debut IPL season for RCB scored 330 runs at an average of 55 and strike rate of 183.33. His stellar numbers earned him a spot in India’s T20 World Cup 2022 squad. The soon-to-be 39-year-old feels he owes his comeback to the buzz created by RCB fans.
 

"The amount of love that I received... I sometimes think that I was picked for the 2022 World Cup because of RCB's fans. There was such a huge wave of people saying 'DK has to be there'. I will never forget it. To make a comeback at the age of 37 when I hadn't played international cricket for long time before that, I really feel RCB and RCB fans have played a very important part in the small phase where I played for my country," Karthik added.

 

ALSO READ: PCB announces Pakistan's 15-member T20 World Cup 2024 squad; drops two all-rounders, no reserves named
 

Karthik’s last IPL appearance

In his final match, Karthik got a reprieve on the first ball as third umpire ruled in his favour. But he could not make the most of it and departed for a 13-ball 11 to RR’s Avesh Khan. 
 

Karthik’s IPL 2024 numbers

The veteran batter scored 326 runs at an average of 36.22 in IPL 2024 including two fifties. His strike rate in the season was 187.36.
 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

ICC hands Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi key responsibility for upcoming T20 World Cup 2024

Virat Kohli's best friend speaks on becoming new Indian head coach, says 'would love to work with some players'