IPL 2019 | Disappointed after Rajasthan Royals loss, asserts Dinesh Karthik

IPL 2019 | Disappointed after Rajasthan Royals loss, asserts Dinesh Karthik

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IPL

Dinesh Karthik has stated that he was left disappointed after Kolkata Knight Riders’ three wicket loss against Rajasthan Royals yesterday. The KKR skipper smashed 97 runs to take his side’s total to 175 and despite the spinners grabbing a flurry of wickets, it was not enough as RR secured the win.

The encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals on Thursday was more like a roller-coaster ride. KKR kept losing wickets but Dinesh Karthik played a captain’s knock of 97 to take the total to 175. In reply, the Rajasthan Royals got off a fine start but kept losing wickets at regular intervals to hand KKR the initiative. The game tilted in KKR’s favour as the equation came down to 53 runs in 29 deliveries, with the 17-year Riyan Parag and bowling all-rounder Jofra Archer at the crease. However, the duo chased down the target with four balls remaining, and the KKR skipper was clearly disappointed to end up on the losing side.

“Little disappointed. I thought we were in it, but it wasn't our day. I've kept saying, winning always feel good but when you lose close games like this you think 'wow, when are we going to get there',” expressed Karthik, at the post-match presentation, reported ESPN Cricinfo.

The Knight Riders would have given themselves a decent chance as nine runs were needed off the final over, with Archer and Jaydev Unadkat at the crease. The skipper handed the ball to Prasidh Krishna, and the first ball raced to the boundary after taking an edge off Archer’s bat. However, the second ball was in the 24-year-old’s slot and he smashed it over long off for a six. Karthik was quick to justify the Karnataka pacer’s stand pointing out towards the dew. 

“The plan in the final over was to bowl full. The second shot was a good shot, but the first ball... there was dew on the outfield as well,” the 33 year-old explained.

After notching up four wins in five matches, the KKR now have a losing streak of six matches. The possibility of qualifying for the playoffs is extremely slim but the skipper hoped that the team puts their trust behind him.

“I think a lot of it will boil down to how much they trust me as a leader and keep the mood of the dressing room good,” he signed off.

On the other hand, the Royals tally on the points table is same as KKR’s, but their current form has been good. However, post Jos Butler’s departure, Ben Stokes and Archer are also set to leave for their national duty, but the latter was confident of the replacements putting up a fine show.

“I feel really excited. The tournament didn't go as well as we liked, but moments like these really make me cherish playing for Rajasthan. Anyone that comes in to replace me and Stokesy will do a great job, I'm sure of that,” Stokes said.

“I'm grateful for Rajasthan to take a chance on me, having not played any international cricket."

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