"Took Rohit Sharma's Words Seriously": Dinesh Karthik Storms Into T20 World Cup Contention

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik once against proved why he is one of the best finishers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Albeit in a losing cause, Karthik slammed a stunning 35-ball 83 as RCB put 262 runs on the board while chasing a target of 287. Though Karthik's effort went in vain, he did boost his chances of sealing a place in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Incidentally, a few days ago, Mumbai Indians star and Team India captain, Rohit Sharma, had teased Karthik about performing well to make it to the T20 World Cup squad. (IPL 2024 Points Table)

Seeing Karthik's explosive knock at the M Chinanswamy stadium on Monday, fans recalled how Rohit as teasing Karthik of a T20 World Cup spot. The veteran wicket-keeper batter seems to have taken Rohit's words seriously.

"Shabash DK! T20 World Cup mein selection ke liye push karna hai isko. Dimagh mein chal raha hai iske World Cup. (Well done DK! He is pushing for a spot in the T20 World Cup. His mind is occupied with the thought of the World Cup)," Rohit was heard saying on the stump mic when Mumbai Indians took on Royal Challengers Bengaluru a few days ago at Wankhede.

Here's how the world of social media reacted to Dinesh Karthik's heroics:

DK, you are unreal! What an inspiration! Enrol me for a DK finishing masterclass post the IPL or should I say, WT20? @DineshKarthik

— Shreyanka Patil (@shreyanka_patil) April 15, 2024

He still has it! @DineshKarthik .

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 15, 2024

Dinesh Karthik took Rohit Sharma's words seriously. Bro is really auditioning for the T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/etcj4sJ420

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) April 15, 2024

Dinesh Karthik for India at the World Cup! Just take him already.

— Danish Sait (@DanishSait) April 15, 2024

"Rohit Sharma's pep talk to Dinesh Karthik: 'You're in contention for the next World Cup.' DK responds with a blazing 83 off 35 in the very next game! Credit to Rohit for the inspiration! #Cricket #RohitSharma #DineshKarthik" pic.twitter.com/3VBE5cqxzB

— Hemant ( Sports Active ) (@hemantbhavsar86) April 16, 2024

Despite Karthik's blitzkrieg, RCB suffered their 6th defeat in 7 matches, leaving them bottom of the 10-team points table. Though all hope is not lost as far as playoffs qualification is concerned, the Fa f du Plessis-led franchise will need a magical resurgence from here to remain in contention for a top-4 finish.