Veteran wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik played another short cameo to help Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secure their first win of IPL 2022. RCB chased down 129 runs set by Kolkata Knight Riders with four balls to spare at the Brabourne Stadium.
The 36-year-old Karthik hit Andre Russell for a six and a four in the last over to clinch the contest for Bangalore. Speaking after the win, Karthik said that, as humans, cricketers are bound to feel nervous even though they have been in similar situations before.
Speaking in a video shared on RCB’s social media handles, Dinesh Karthik said:
“A little bit (nervous) definitely. Every game is a new game, every day is a new day. You do feel nervous, you are humans.”
#RCBvKKR: Dressing Room Interviews, Game Day
Wanindu speaks about working on his line & lengths, Harshal explains his maiden over against Russell, DK talks about his finisher’s role, & the coaches back them up, after we beat KKR in a close game. #PlayBold #IPL2022 #RCB pic.twitter.com/oWw5wEWaWh
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 31, 2022
Throwing light on the decision of coming late, Karthik said he is happy to go with the team’s plan.
“The coach told me that he will be holding me back. I said ‘okay, whatever the team plans, I am happy’. Was looking forward to the opportunity. It’s good it came out well,” he added.
“The situation at that time demanded it” – Shahbaz Ahmed on hitting Andre Russell for two sixes
Young all-rounder from Bengal Shahbaz Ahmed played a crucial hand, scoring 27 off 20 balls to relieve some pressure on RCB during the chase. He smacked Andre Russell for two sixes during his innings.
When asked if it was a revenge for what happened earlier in the game, Shahbaz stated:
“It was not a question of revenge. The situation at the time demanded it. Russell was their fifth bowler, so we had to go after him. I whacked him for two big hits, so the contest sort of became equal in the end.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore will next face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 5.
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