IPL 2026: Dinesh Karthik heaps praise on Virat Kohli ahead of clash against Delhi Capitals

RCB opener Virat Kohli en route his 44-ball 81 against GT in Bengaluru on Friday. PIC/IPL

Delhi Capitals, who failed to defend a massive 264 against Punjab Kings recently will have another masive challenge on their hands as defending champions and second-placed team currently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, come visiting on Monday. PBKS registered a record chase, the highest in T20 history, leaving DC in the middle of the points table, having played seven matches, won three and lost four with six points in the kitty.

Dinesh Karthik

All eyes will be on RCB's Delhi boy Virat Kohli, who has been on top of his game this season too, having scored 328 runs from seven matches so far, with a highest score of 81 not out, including three fifties so far. "That man goes back every year and he is assessing what he has done. He almost comes with a very stubborn plan about how he wants to go about it and he gets it done, not on match days alone, but also the way he practices," RCB batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik said about Kohli's consistency.

Speaking about all-rounder Krunal Pandya's growing impact, Karthik said, "Pandya is a player this game will remember for a long time. He is pushing the boundaries of finger spin and bowling deliveries that weren't imaginable a few years ago. He is becoming a master at it. He knows when to use his variations to create doubt in the batter's mind, and more often than not, it delivers results."

Karthik also appreciated the leadership of Rajat Patidar: "Rajat is constantly upping his standards. He has the respect in the room and handles his bowlers well. Under pressure, he stays composed and makes good decisions."

20-13
RCB's win-loss record against DC across 34 games; one game ended in no-result