IPL 2018 | Sunil Narine doesn't think himself as a pinch hitter anymore, reveals Dinesh Kartik

Sunil Narine’s steady yet blazing knock of 75 runs off 36 balls in the match against Kings XI Punjab yesterday appealed many more including his skipper Dinesh Kartik. The West Indian all-rounder, who is basically being given the job of a pinch hitter at the top of the order, played more sensibly in a must-win match for KKR. He paced his innings exceptionally well despite being tested by a couple of bouncers early in the innings and displayed quality batting against spin as well. Narine also took the vital wicket of KL Rahul, who could have changed the scenario of the match.

Dinesh Karthik expressed his happiness with the performance of their quick bowlers especially with Andre Russell, who took 3 wickets conceding 41 runs in 4 overs.

Kartik praised the batting department for scoring the highest total this season and described the win as a convincing one. However, he noted that small grounds like Indore is too difficult for spinners to contain runs as mishits can go for a six as well.

“We batted really well and it was a convincing win. It’s a small ground so they also believe that they can hit a couple of sixes at any stage, and that puts the bowlers under a lot of pressure. Especially for the spinners, mishits can go for six so it becomes harder,” said Karthik, who had hit 50 off 23.

“It feels good knowing that I can contribute when I’m done with the ball. It’s good for the team and it puts less pressure on my bowling,” said Narine while collecting the man of the match award.