IPL: Dinesh Karthik makes light-hearted plea to in-form Tilak Varma
What's the story
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik praised Tilak Varma's recent T20I performances.
Karthik highlighted Varma's match-winning performance against England at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium in the second T20I.
In a fun banter on Cricbuzz, Karthik humorously requested Varma to "be nice against RCB" in the next 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, while stating, "Be nice against RCB, Tilak."
Overall, he has scored 100 runs across three outings in the ongoing series at a strike rate of 169.49.
Match-winning knock
Varma's impressive performance in T20Is
Varma has been India's standout performer, cementing his place in the team with back-to-back T20I centuries on the South Africa tour.
His recent contribution was a stellar 72* off 55 deliveries against England in the second T20I, which guided India to a narrow two-wicket win and a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
The performance further established his reputation as a formidable batter.
IPL prospects
Karthik's new role and Varma's IPL record
After retiring from the IPL in 2024, Karthik has become RCB's batting coach and mentor.
He praised Varma's talent on Cricbuzz, saying, "Brilliant innings, great understanding of what the situation required. Hats off to him."
Meanwhile, Varma's highest score in the tournament so far came in the 2023 season opener against RCB, where he remained unbeaten on 84 for Mumbai Indians, and further added saying, "He always does well against us."
Future captain?
Karthik's views on Shreyas Iyer's leadership potential
Karthik also shared his thoughts on Shreyas Iyer's potential as a future leader for the national team.
Despite Iyer's successful stints with Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he hasn't been seriously considered for this role.
"The moment he is sure of making the playing XI consistently, there is a great chance he will be captain," Karthik said.
Stats
A look at Varma's T20I and IPL stats
In 23 T20Is, the batter has smashed 725 runs at an average of 55.76. Additionally, he boasts a strike rate of 155.24.
He has also smashed two hundreds alongside three fifties, with his highest score being 120* (vs South Africa).
Meanwhile, in the IPL, he has racked up 1,156 runs in 38 matches, (AVG: 39.86, SR: 146.33). Varma has also smashed six fifties, (HS: 84*).