After enduring a couple of horrid seasons, Dinesh Karthik is back to his fluent best in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. With 197 runs in just six matches at a strike rate hovering over 200, Karthik’s form has been one of the major reasons Royal Challengers Bangalore find themselves in the top half of the points table.
On Saturday against Delhi Capitals, Karthik’s blistering half-century lifted Bangalore to a fighting total. Coming at No. 7, he slammed 66 off just 34 deliveries, and forged a crucial partnership with Shahbaz Ahmed. In the 18th over, he smashed four fours and two sixes against Mustafizur Rahman.
A T20 Special with all the requisites. It's when FIZZ goes FLAT in a spit. DK take a bow. @DineshKarthik @RCBTweets #RCB pic.twitter.com/pHmrI82jvW
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 16, 2022
Only once in six innings did the RCB wicket-keeper get out. With the top-order blowing hot and cold, he has been the heavy lifter for the team in the opening stage of the tournament.
Dinesh Karthik in IPL 2022:
32* (14) Vs PBKS.
14* (7) Vs KKR.
44* (23) Vs RR.
7* (2) Vs MI.
34 (14) Vs CSK.
66* (34) Vs DC.– DK the MVP of RCB. Tonight he came in the 12th over and stabled the innings, later unleashed and gave a marvelous finish. pic.twitter.com/Xr2GWM9Gs2
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 16, 2022
Around eight months ago on India’s tour to England, Karthik was working with some of the best broadcasters like Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton. He aced that role as well but insisted that his playing days were not over.
And now with a string of spectacular performances, he has certainly strengthened his case for India’s T20 WC squad.
Fine win for RCB. Hopefully teams winning the toss will consider batting first. DK was terrific. Played a match winning innings. Hopefully he's in the scheme of things for the upcoming T20 WC #RCBvDC #IPL2022
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) April 16, 2022
Virat Kohli agrees that Karthik has brought himself back in the scheme of things for the marquee tournament in Australia.
‘I am very happy that DK is so clear in his goals. I can surely tell you that you have presented a very strong case for yourself moving forward playing T20 cricket not just for RCB but also I am sure lot of people are taking notice at the highest level as well,’ said Kohli.
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“You mentioned. I think AB will be very proud watching from Pretoria, sitting at home and watching you finish games for us and take the team across the line,” he added.
Karthik’s last appearance for India was in the 2019 World Cup. If he continues finishing games for Bangalore, we will get to see him wearing India’s jersey again.
