RCB Podcast: DK'll go on to do special things as a coach – Mo Bobat

RCB won their maiden IPL title to end an 18-year wait, and a major driving force behind the success was the contribution from batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, who chimed in with crucial advice that transformed the batting unit to a fearsome force right through the competition.

Talking on the latest episode of Big Basket presents RCB Podcast: Bold & Beyond, Mo Bobat spoke extensively about DK’s maiden stint as coach, while also making a prediction on DK’s future in his new role.

Revealing his initial discussions about DK in a coaching role, Bobat said, “He was actually our first podcast this season and when we asked him about it he said no I was not ready for this. I'm actually a little nervous. We were both coming back from uh from the Champions Trophy together on the same flight. Actually he was finishing broadcast duties and I was like DK how's it going to be? It's going to be quite awesome. He's like I'm really nervous. I don't know what I'm walking into.”

Shedding light about how Bobat initially convinced DK to take up coaching, he said, “Well, the first thing I had to do was tell him to stop playing. Fair. Yeah. Because he had a really good season last year and towards the end of the season, I think he was thinking about whether I should retire, shouldn't I? He was thinking about coaching. We spoke a few times about coaching. So, I could tell his interest was there. He asked me quite cheekily a few times whether we'd be interested in him at the auction and I said no, which we had a bit of a joke about.”

Bobat continued, “But look, I always knew that he was interested in coaching and that he's got coaching potential and leadership potential and I think he'll go on to do special things as a coach. I really believe that. But he is in his first year. So I think he's enjoying learning. I think he's very fortunate that he's learning from Andy who's in my opinion one of the best, if not the best in the business.”

Mo further added, “I've known Andy for a long time and he's right up there. Uh, now they're different characters and they'll do things in different ways, but I'm certain that he'll be learning from the way Andy does things. Uh, but look, DK's been great and I'm sure he's learning a huge amount and hopefully RCB will get rewarded for that investment in him over the next few years as he continues to get better and better and I think Indian cricket will benefit from that as well.”