IPL 2018 | Kuldeep one of the best chinaman bowlers in the world, says Dinesh Karthik

Karthik certainly would have been relieved after KKR’s stunning victory against RR to move a step closer to confirming their birth to the knockouts. KKR defeated RR by 6 wickets at Eden Gardens and Karthik credited the young chinaman bowler, Kuldeep Yadav, who constructed the first innings collapse of the Rajasthan. Karthik praised Yadav for his stunning performance and called him one of the best in the world. He pointed out that Yadav puts in lots of hard work and believed that keeping him consistent would be the key to their success.   

"Hats off to him . Kuldeep is an international quality bowler and is one of the best chinaman bowler in the world. He is sometimes so confident that he ends up slacking off and giving out one easy ball. But the amount of effort he puts in at the practice is unbelievable. He is very hardworking, always in the gym and if I can keep him consistent it is enough," Karthik said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Batting first, Rajasthan Royals got off to a flying start, hitting 63 runs in the first 5 overs. However, once Rahul Tripathi (27) and Jos Buttler (39) got out, other team members followed them quickly. Kuldeep was brought on in the eight over and after that RR had no say in the match and the match kept slipping out of their hands. Yadav finished with his career-best Indian Premier League figures of 4/20 as Royals crashed to 142 in 19 overs.

In reply, KKR started decently, before Ben Stokes (3/15) stopped the flow of runs with wickets of Sunil Narine (21) and Robin Uthappa (4). Ish Sodhi (1/21) was proving to be lethal with his leg-spin bowling but Chris Lynn (45) and Dinesh Karthik (41 not out) ensured KKR reach safely to the target. 

"I think they started off brilliantly, especially Buttler and Tripathi played really well. But it also shows our character where we just didn't give up. When we got the chance we just didn't let it go. Winning one, losing the next and then coming back is a part of the IPL. We just try and put in team bonding sessions, keep interacting and look to put a smile on everyone's face to keep them motivated," Karthik said.

KKR play their final league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Rajiv Gandhi International stadium on Saturday.