A Royal Challengers Bangalore fan showed his admiration for the veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik during the team's IPL 2024 match against Kolkata Knight Riders at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, March 29.
Dinesh Karthik was at his best as he unleashed his firepower in the middle-order. The 37-year-old walked out to bat in the death overs and blasted 20 runs off 8 balls at a strike rate of 250. In the penultimate over of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's batting, Karthik smashed two sixes off KKR all-rounder Andre Russell.
Karthik's quickfire cameo received a big applause from RCB fans at the stadium. However, the camera panned on a fan who was holding a placard, 'DK IS THE REAL THALA' in the stands, showing his admiration for the veteran cricketer. The picture of the same went viral on social media.
The word 'Thala' has often been synonymous with MS Dhoni, reflecting his iconic status in cricket, especially in Chennai Super Kings where he captained the team from 2008 until he resigned from the role ahead of IPL 2024.
Dinesh Karthik is in a redemption mode after he had a disappointing campaign in the last IPL season. In the last match against Punjab Kings, Karthik was one of the instrumental players in the team's maiden victory of the season as he played a unbeaten knock of 28 off just 10 balls. In the final over of the 177-run chase, Karthik smashed a six and a four to take the team past the finishing line.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik's quickfire cameo and Virat Kohli's unbeaten 83 went down in vain as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered second defeat of the season. After posting a total of 182/5, RCB failed to defend it Kolkata Knight Rider batters Venkatesh Iyer (50), Sunil Narine (47) and Shreyas Iyer (39) helped KKR pulled off 183-run chase.
