IPL 2019 | Expected bowlers to perform better, says Dinesh Karthik

After posting a target of 179, KKR saw Delhi Capitals chasing it down with seven balls remaining as Shikhar Dhawan (97) and Rishabh (46) Pant scored crucially to take the side home. And KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik felt that the bowlers could have done better to restrict the Delhi batsmen after posting a below-par target. 

"To be honest the par score was 10-15 runs more than that. We didn't bat well and didn't post a good score. I expected our bowlers to perform better, that didn't happen though. Such things happen in a game of cricket," Dinesh Karthik said at the post-match presentation, reported India Today.

"I think picking wickets on this ground has been difficult but bowlers can work on few areas and come back harder. That's what IPL is all about, coming back stronger every time you can," he added.

KKR had to make some significant changes to their side after openers Lynn and Narine both pulled out at the last moment. Consequently, the hosts had to go with Joe Denly and Gill to open and they stuck to two spinners in the bowling line-up as all-rounder Carlos Braithwaite came in.

However, Denly was dismissed on the very first ball of the innings before Gill went on to make 65 while Carlos Braithwaite was mostly underwhelming. Karthik heaped praise on Gill for his knock that included seven boundaries and two sixes.

"They (Lynn and Narine) are two key players and missing them is never good. But Shubman grabbed the opportunity and played really well. You are always going to have replacements. It was hard on Joe to get out on the first ball, but I am sure he'll come back strong in the next game," Karthik said.