IPL 2024: Dinesh Karthik responds to Rohit Sharma's 'World Cup' banter with 108-meter six

Dinesh Karthik and performing before an ICC event - could there be a better love story? Be it amassing 498 runs for KKR in IPL 2018 or stockpiling 330 runs after retuning for his second stint with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru just before the 2022 T20 World Cup, Karthik has always found a way to throw himself in contention before major ICC events.

The story seems to be repeating as Karthik's performances in IPL 2024 have defied the perception that he is finished. The wicketkeeper-batter is currently the third-highest run-getter for RCB (226 runs in seven matches at a strike rate above 200) with the 2024 T20 World Cup set to be played in June.

Also Read: 'Never seen a commentator bat so well' - Kevin Pietersen in awe of Dinesh Karthik's heroics against SRH

The first couple of matches of RCB's IPL 2024 campaign saw Karthik coming to the rescue with quickfire unbeaten cameos of 38 off 26 (against CSK) and 28 off just 10 (against PBKS) in two contrasting circumstances. Karthik's first fifty of the season was brought up against the Mumbai Indians a few days back as he smashed the bowlers on his way to a rapid unbeaten 23-ball 53. Notably, Karthik was teased by current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma during the first innings of that match. 

"Shaabaash DK! T20 World Cup mein selection ke liye push karna hai isko. Dimaag mein chal raha hai iske World Cup (Well done DK! He is pushing for a spot in the squad for the T20 World Cup. His mind is occupied with the thought of the World Cup)," Rohit was heard on the stump-mic as Karthik was seen smiling.

Also read: WATCH: Rohit Sharma engages in hilarious on-field banter with Dinesh Karthik, video goes viral

Just days after the hilarious exchange between the two, Karthik came up all guns blazing, this time in a Himalayan run-chase against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. After being set a ridiculous target of 288, RCB got off to a rapid start by openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. However, the team could not capitalise on that as the middle-order collapsed.

Out came Karthik at No. 5, with plenty left for him to do. Surpringly, he took nine deliveries to get his first boundary. But after that, it was a carnage. He decimated Jaydev Unadkat in a 19-run over while he smoked T Natarajan  off his pads for a colossal 108-metre six. The 38-year-old brought up his 22nd half-century in just 23 deliveries after pulling a Pat Cummins delivery over the midwicket fence.

Watch Dinesh Karthik's 108-meter six against SRH:

Set to retire post the ongoing season of the IPL, Karthik showed no signs of stepping away from the game as his riveting 83 off 35 against the SRH attack, albeit on a highway-like belter, just showed his brilliance.