I don’t think I’ve gone through an experience like that - Dinesh Karthik on preparing for an auction

The IPL 2026 Auction is a little less than a week away, and with RCB having retained 17 players from the title-winning squad of last season, the think-tank will have an easier task of filling up the slots when compared to the demands of last year’s mega auction.

RCB’s batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik, who was an important voice in the room during the planning ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, reflected on how much he enjoyed the process last time around.

Speaking on an episode of Big Basket presents RCB Bold Diaries, DK said, “It was the most exhilarating 10 days prior to the auction, the way we prepped. I don't think I've gone through an experience like that. I've played a lot of cricket, but to be in the boardroom discussing what it takes to make a team was the most challenging, most fun, engaging week-10 days I've had, because there was so much prep that went into it.”

He added, “Mo and Andy have a very detailed process that they go through, and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of being in that room. At times it was tiring because we had 12-hour, 14-hour days. I thoroughly enjoyed every second. I would do anything to have the same kind of experience in the lead-up to an auction.”

DK offered more insight and said, “This is a mini auction, very different. I must admit, that week in the lead-up to the mega auction was exciting. So many names, so many skill sets, how are you going to line up the team? Giving your inputs, seeing what matters. So many things come into play and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

He also shed some light on the intricacies of the discussions they have and quipped, “If the world gets to see the whole footage of what all we speak and what all we discuss, they can do a mega serial I feel. They can do a 10-part TV series on it. But it's very interesting, intriguing and mentally challenging because you're assessing various things. A, the skill set. B, what does it take to be part of a team? But most importantly, the auction order. Where does the player come? Will we bid for him. If we bid, how far we go? What do we need to do? So it is a very intricate process, very challenging process.”

Speaking on how RCB approach an auction, DK said, “And that's the thrill in an auction. Because when you go sit in an auction, there are 10 teams, 10 tables there and each one wants to get their best team with the best players lined up. And it's not about out-thinking at times. It is about understanding what strategy you want, what you want to make sure you want to achieve.”

He concluded with an outlook of optimism by saying, “At the same time, enjoying this whole process. I was looking forward to coming back. Just seeing everybody back together in the ground was such a nice feeling. Last night, to be fair, I didn't sleep much. I was very excited to see Andy, Malo, Mo, all of them together. So, I'm very happy.”