Those who saw how Dinesh Karthik badly struggled in IPL 2023 and wrote him off for the ongoing edition are doing nothing but scratching their heads at this moment. Despite Virat Kohli’s heroics, RCB required 23 off the final two overs against Punjab Kings on Monday evening in Match 6 of the IPL 2024 in Bengaluru. Dinesh Karthik, who is playing his final IPL season, made the job look like an easy task, and the manner in which he dispatched Arshdeep Singh, one of the finest death bowlers around, spoke volumes.
While requiring 10 off the last over, Dinesh Karthik released the pressure immediately by going across the line against Arshdeep. It was a back-of-a-length delivery by the left-arm quick, and Karthik showed his composure by perfectly scooping it over fine leg for six. In the next ball, he slammed straight over Arshdeep’s head for four, taking his side to their first victory of the season.
The return of ‘finisher DK’ Dinesh Karthik
Even an excellent 49-ball 77 from Kohli did not assure victory for RCB. He was dismissed with 47 still needed off 24. At this stage, RCB were rewarded for their brave decision at the toss of fielding only four pure bowlers, two all-rounders [Green and Maxwell] and both of Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik in the first XI. That allowed them to deepen their batting with Mahipal Lomror, the ‘impact substitute’, walking in at No.8. Lomror hit his first ball for four and struck a crucial six when Arshdeep erred with a fuller length ball.
Hand-holding him at the other end was the veteran Karthik, who took down former RCB teammate Harshal Patel for a four and six before walking across the stumps to scoop Arshdeep for six to effectively seal the deal in the final over. Karthik finished with 28* off 10, following on from an equally impressive 38* off 26 from a precarious situation in the opener in Chennai.
After managing just 140 runs last year at an average of 11.67, this is a great uptick in form and signals a return to his 2022 version. Consequently, Karthik’s form and this show of batting depth bodes well for unshackling RCB’s power-packed top order. Dinesh Karthik to was ecstatic after the knock and expressed his views on the same.
I am inspired by Rinku Singh and how well he is batting- Dinesh Karthik
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Dinesh Karthik said that he was inspired by Rinku Singh when asked about his match winning cameo at Chinnaswamy versus the Punjab Kings . Dinesh Karthik came into bat when RCB required 47 off 24 deliveries and smacked 28 of 10 deliveries to take the team over the line in the final overs. This was RCB’s first win in IPL 2024 following their loss to Chennai Super Kings in the season opener.
In the video released by IPL on their social media handle, Dinesh Karthik spoke about his finishing gig versus PBKS. He said :
“I am inspired by Rinku Singh and how well he is batting. So, there have been some terrific people I have been watching and learning from them. Jokes apart, it is a situation that I have practiced quite a bit. Credit to my coach, who has been working with me for over a decade now.”
“These are the situations that he has been putting me through. So, when a situation like this comes I try and base my game where I am very calm and try to assess the situation, see what I can do in terms of shot selection and try and execute,” added Karthik.
Rinku Singh has established himself as arguably the world’s best finisher in T20s, thanks to his heroics for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last year and in international cricket since. Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik endured a dismal IPL 2023 campaign, scoring only 140 runs at an average of under 12 in 13 games. However, the 38-year-old has been on a mission, scoring an unbeaten 38 off 26 against CSK before the heroics against PBKS.
It was another thrilling performance for Karthik, who impressed in RCB’s defeat against CSK. Speaking after the match, he said, “Little bit (dusting off the rustiness). I wasn’t completely in control but getting there. We needed that (knock from Lomror), Anuj batted well last time but when Mahipal walked out.. he took the pressure off me.
He (Harshal) is a wily customer, he has the dipping slower one and if you missed that you are a goner, I had to wait to play the scoop. I didn’t say anything, he (Lomror) was calm and when he hit that six, I just told him to keep a still head.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will now lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders on 29th March Friday and it would be interesting who amongst Dinesh Karthik and Rinku Singh would prevail when pitted against each other.