Dinesh Karthik on MS Dhoni’s Adelaide innings: Karthik was vocal about playing the finisher’s role and Dhoni’s match-winning innings.
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India wicket-keeper batsman-duo of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik shared a 57-run unbeaten stand for the fifth wicket to keep India alive in the three-match ODI series. Both the batsmen took calculated risk to make sure that India don’t lose second match in a row.
ALSO READ: Twitter reactions on Virat Kohli’s 39th ODI century.
Karthik didn’t waste any time as he hit a couple of boundaries to ease off pressure in the middle. Having played the finisher’s role successfully in the T20I series as well, Karthik was asked about his preparation for the same.
That was a superb little cameo from Dinesh Karthik. He only faced one dot ball, scored six ones, four twos, one three and two fours in his 25* (14). He alleviated the pressure with minimal risk. A classic finisher’s innings. #AUSvIND
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) January 15, 2019
ODI targets for India –
Below 200: Yawn! Dhawan can do this.
200 to 250: Meh! Dhoni can do this.
250 to 300: Hmm! Rohit can do this.
Above 300: Ayyo! Only Kohli can do this.— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) January 15, 2019
The 33-year old right-hand batsman laid emphasis on continuously working on the ‘hardest’ skill and also disclosed how experience helps him. “Look, I’ve practiced and worked on it. I feel it is a very important skill. It is a skill where you need to have a cool head. A lot of experience helps.
“It is probably the most hardest skills in the game because to finish a match and end on a winning side is great. Batting in the powerplay or upfront is a different challenge.
ALSO READ: Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Kaif and other react on India’s 6-wicket victory at Adelaide.
“Batting in the middle where the ball is reversing a bit and the bowlers are sure of what to do, it is a different challenge. It feels good to execute the plans that you have and put pressure on the opponent,” Karthik was quoted as saying during the press conference.
Karthik was also asked about whether the team management has thought of playing him in the same position. Karthik refused to answer on the team management’s behalf but mentioned that he is trying to achieve what the team expects of him.
@imVkohli @msdhoni & Co dish out pongal treat for home fans 👏👏👏😊
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 15, 2019
Great to see Dinesh Karthik getting the quick fire 25 not out today. These gems are so crucial in a run-chase. MS Dhoni may be under fire from the fans but make no mistake, he is working his way back to good form. Today’s knock may just be the beginning. Kohli, classy as usual!
— Nishad Pai Vaidya (@NishadPaiVaidya) January 15, 2019
“That’s a question you have to ask the coach. It’s very hard for me to answer on their behalf. They’ve told me that this is the role for me right now and they want me to do the best that I can and I’m trying to achieve that,” he said.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli hails MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik for sealing the chase.
Talking of batting with Dhoni, Karthik hailed his ability to absorb pressure. “It is great to watch him bat, finish off the innings. We know he can absorb pressure and release it back to the opposition when the time is right. That has always been his strength and we saw a perfect example of that today,” he concluded.
