RCB appoint Dinesh Karthik as batting coach, mentor
Bengaluru (PTI): Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last month, on Monday was appointed as batting coach and mentor by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
"Welcome our keeper in every sense, Dinesh Karthik back into RCB in an all new avatar. DK will be the batting coach and mentor of RCB Men's team," RCB posted on 'X', formerly twitter.
"You can take the man out of cricket but not cricket out of the man! Shower him with all the love, 12th Man Army," the post added.
Terming this an exciting opportunity, Karthik stated: "Coaching at a professional level is incredibly exciting for me and is something I'm truly passionate about as a new chapter in my life. Hopefully, the breadth of my experiences as a player can contribute to the development of the group and bring added value.
"I believe that cricket success hinges not only on technical proficiency but also on match intelligence and composure. I am eager to coach and mentor our batting group, helping them to not only refine their method but also to develop the keen match awareness needed to excel under pressure.
"It's also great that I can continue my association with RCB as the franchise continues to move from strength to strength," he stated in a release issued by RCB.
The cricketer, who is also into commentary, had a spectacular last season for RCB where he played the role of a finisher and scored 326 runs at an average of 36.22 with a massive strike-rate of 187.36.
He was given an emotional farewell after RCB lost the Eliminator to Rajasthan Royals.
Overall, the wicketkeeper-batter played 257 matches in IPL representing five franchises — Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab and RCB.
He had amassed 4,842 runs at an average of 26.32.
Playing for India, Karthik scored 1,752 runs and struck nine half-centuries in 94 ODI matches.
In 26 Tests, Karthik has 1,025 runs to his name, which includes a century against Bangladesh.
In 60 T20Is, he has scored 686 runs at an average of 26.38 with a 142-plus strike-rate.
Speaking about Karthik's appointment, RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat said he will be just as impactful as a coach.
"His longevity and track record as a player speaks volumes about his skill and dedication. I know he will bring that same quality and commitment to this new professional chapter," Bobat said.
"DK's experiences across both international cricket and the IPL, make him a huge asset to RCB. I have no doubt that our players will benefit hugely from his expert support."
RCB are yet to win an IPL title in the last 17 seasons.
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Two men fatally attacked by cow vigilantes on suspicion of cow smuggling in lemon transport truck
Sonu Banseeram and Sundar Singh sustain serious injuries
New Delhi: A group of around 20 cow vigilantes brutally assaulted a driver and his companion in Sadulpur, Rajasthan’s Churu District, late on Sunday night. The victims were transporting lemons from Jaipur to Punjab when they were intercepted by vigilantes on suspicion of cattle smuggling.
The victims, identified as 29-year-old Sonu Banshiram and 35-year-old Sundar Singh from Fatehabad, Haryana, were attacked near a toll booth in Laseri village. A video of the incident shows the mob armed with sticks thrashing the victims as they lay on the ground, hitting them in the face with shoes and kicking their heads. After the assault, a man from the mob demanded the van's rear be opened to check its contents.
Rajgarh Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Prashant Kiran informed that the traders had stopped their truck on National Highway 52 due to rain. A tip-off to a cow vigilante group led to about 20 activists chasing the truck, believing it was being used to transport cows. Mistaking the vigilantes' intentions as a robbery attempt, the traders sped away.
The vigilantes caught up with the truck at a toll plaza in Lasedi village, dragged the men out, and began thrashing them with sticks. After the assault, one vigilante opened the truck and found lemons instead of cattle. Realizing their mistake, the group fled the scene.
The victims were initially taken to a local hospital in Churu and later referred to a private hospital in Haryana for better treatment. Sonu Banshiram sustained multiple fractures in both legs, while Sundar Singh suffered injuries to his arms and head.
The victims stated they were transporting lemons to Bathinda, Punjab when a group of people on motorbikes and a jeep began chasing their van. Upon reaching the toll booth, the vigilantes started hitting the van with sticks, pulled the men out, and assaulted them despite their explanations. The victims reported hearing the names Sonu, Sonia, Varun, and Dinesh during the attack. The vigilantes also snatched their mobile phones.
DSP Kiran stated that the police learned of the incident through a video clip that surfaced on social media on Sunday. A case for attempted murder was registered following the victims' statements.
"We have detained seven people since Monday," DSP Kiran said, adding that another three to four individuals are under scrutiny for their involvement in the brutal attack. The police have assured strict action against all those responsible.
Last month, three Muslim men were lynched in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur district while transporting buffaloes.
Rajasthan: Cow vigilantes brutally thrashed Sonu Bishnoi and Sundar Bishnoi from Haryana over false allegations of transporting cattle, while in reality, the pickup truck was loaded with lemons. pic.twitter.com/5MdDyy7ujJ
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) July 2, 2024
