Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf Du Plessis has praised Dinesh Karthik for his knock, saying he is in the form of his life after winning against Delhi Capitals by 16 runs. Du Plessis also added that the bowlers did a fantastic job of defending the target in spite of the dew factor.
Royal Challengers Bangalore registered their fourth win of the IPL 2022 against Delhi Capitals and are now placed at third position in the points table. Delhi invited RCB to bat after winning the toss. RCB were poised at 40/3 at one stage but Glenn Maxwell helped them improve the situation. Maxwell scored 55 runs from 34 balls and set the tone of the innings. Dinesh Karthik is currently in form of his life and he provided another solid finish to RCB. Karthik smashed unbeaten 66 runs from 34 balls at the back end of the innings to help the team post a total of 189/5. Karthik has been in absolute beast mode and is finishing the games for the franchise in the best way he could.
RCB captain Faf Du Plessis praised Karthik and Maxwell for their contribution with the bat.
“DK is in the form of his life. Obviously lucky to have him in our side. I think it is important from the top-order perspective. Batting again was a little tricky. But Maxi put the pressure back on them. But then two guys in form did well for us,” Du Plessis stated in the post-match presentation.
Defending the target, RCB didn’t start very well as David Warner was in fine touch. Wickets were falling from the other end but the crucial wicket of Warner was provided by Wanindu Hasaranga, Rishabh Pant tried to put some resistance but he was sent back to the pavilion courtesy of a majestic catch by Virat Kohli at the edge of the 30-yard circle. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers as he picked three wickets conceding 28 runs. RCB restricted DC on 173/7 at the end of the innings.
Du Plessis praised the bowling unit saying they did well in spite of the dew factor playing a role.
“Today was a bit about some planning. We haven’t been as good as we would have wanted at death. The bowlers were fantastic today. Most teams can fall away quickly seeing so much of dew. But we stuck to our plans. Nice thing to have experience. When it is going well or not, you can reinforce the trust,” he said.
There has been a trend of winning the toss and bowl first due to the possible dew factor in the second innings. Du Plessis said that they might prefer batting first on used wickets.
“I would like to have guys tell me before the game if there would be dew or not. Maybe on tired wickets we will bat first. Just one game at a time. It is important to stay calm and composed,” he explained.
Karthik smashed five boundaries and five sixes in his innings of 66 runs. He has been finishing the games regularly for the team and has provided freedom to top-order batters to play freely. He was adjudged Man of the Match for his performance and said that he is working hard to make a comeback in the Indian team.
“But I must admit that I have a bigger goal. I have been working really hard. I have been trying to do everything to be a part of the Indian team. Depends on the bowler, whoever is bowling well. I respected Kuldeep as he was bowling well. When you are batting at the death, you try and get under the ball more while hitting. You make me sound like a serial killer (laughs when asked as to how was he so calm and hit them so hard at the same time),” Karthik revealed in post-match presentation.
