While praising the Indian Premier League as a model for contemporary cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik remarked on Sunday that clubs have been obliged to continually reinvent themselves due to the league’s ever-increasing scoring trends.
Karthik acknowledged that preparation has grown more difficult for both batters and bowlers as 200-plus totals have become the norm this season.
Punjab Kings defeated Delhi Capitals on Saturday with a record-breaking chase of 265.
“It is obviously a challenge. Batting-wise, you try to be more aggressive and with the ball, you try to protect as much as you can. The game is constantly raising the bar and players need to reinvent to keep pace,” PTI quoted Karthik as saying on the eve of RCB’s clash against Delhi Capitals.
Karthik described the IPL as a “different brand of cricket altogether” and claimed that fierce rivalry between evenly matched teams is the reason for the high standards.
“Every team is pushing the other to do something special to win. That’s what you want in terms of rivalry and standard. The IPL is in a very good place and, in many ways, an example of how cricket and even sport should be played,” he noted.
He acknowledged the challenges of the “new normal” in bowling, when totals above 220 are routinely chased down.
“It almost feels like 220 is the old 180. Bowlers are challenged because pitches are flat and batters have expanded their range and power. As a unit, you need to be very aware and keep evolving, possibly with more variations,” he said.
Karthik also emphasized the importance of data analytics in contemporary cricket, pointing out that RCB is using metrics more and more to improve performance.
“We do use data and try to understand how to use it to our advantage. Our analyst brings interesting insights and it’s up to the coaching group to interpret and apply them. It’s been a fascinating learning curve,” he said.
Karthik lavished accolades on captain Rajat Patidar, attributing his consistency to ongoing self-improvement and poise under pressure.
“He is someone who keeps upping his standards. He reviews his game every season and works on areas of improvement. On the field, he is composed and makes very good decisions under pressure,” he said.
Karthik went on to say that Patidar gains from the coaching of seasoned players like Josh Hazlewood, Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, whom he called a “good lieutenant”. Karthik described Pandya’s development as a “trendsetter” in finger spin bowling.
“He is pushing the boundaries of what finger spin means, bowling deliveries people couldn’t fathom a few years ago. He uses them smartly to create doubt in the batter. He will be remembered for changing the landscape of finger spin,” he said.
Karthik also praised Jitesh’s development behind the stumps, crediting the coaching staff’s behind-the-scenes work and focused practice.
“He has been very meticulous and is constantly working on his skills. He is definitely a better keeper now and that’s reflecting in the kind of catches he is taking,” he said.
Regarding senior pro Kohli, Karthik stated that the former India captain is still developing and has a distinct approach to his training.
“He goes back every year, assesses his game and comes back with a plan. The way he practices is a lesson for any young player. To keep up with the pace of the game and still produce match-winning performances is remarkable,” he added.
Additionally, Karthik informed that opener Phil Salt is still sidelined by injury. Given this, Jacob Bethel may be given a longer stint as Kohli’s opening partner.
