When questioned about his match-winning cameo against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik stated Rinku Singh inspires him.
Karthik came in to bat with RCB requiring 47 from 24 deliveries and hammered an unbeaten 10-ball 28 to get the team over the line in the final over. The victory was RCB’s first of the 2024 IPL season, following a loss to Chennai Super Kings in the opener.
Dinesh Karthik discussed his final match against PBKS in a video posted to the IPL’s social media account. He said:
“I am inspired by Rinku Singh and how well he is batting. So, there have been some terrific people I have been watching and learning from them. Jokes apart, it is a situation that I have practiced quite a bit. Credit to my coach, who has been working with me for over a decade now.”
“These are the situations that he has been putting me through. So, when a situation like this comes I try and base my game where I am very calm and try to assess the situation, see what I can do in terms of shot selection and try and execute.”
Dinesh Karthik
Rinku Singh has established himself as arguably the world’s best finisher in T20s, thanks to his heroics for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last year and in international cricket since.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik endured a dismal IPL 2023 campaign, scoring only 140 runs at an average of under 12 in 13 games. However, the 38-year-old has been on a mission, scoring an unbeaten 38 off 26 against CSK before the heroics against PBKS.
RCB were led by a Virat Kohli special in the home opener
Although Dinesh Karthik put the final touches on the PBKS match, RCB’s spectacular victory was set up by another Virat Kohli performance.
After limiting PBKS to a manageable 176/6, RCB lost captain Faf du Plessis in the third over of the run chase. However, an unconcerned Kohli launched his attack with a flurry of boundaries in the powerplay.
Despite losing partners at frequent intervals, the 36-year-old reached his half-century off just 31 balls, putting him first on the list of most 50s by an Indian hitter in the IPL.
Just as it appeared Virat Kohli was going to lead his team to another epic triumph, Harshal Patel removed him for 77 off 49, leaving RCB requiring 47 to win. Dinesh Karthik, however, joined with Impact Sub Mahipal Lomror to ensure that there were no additional stutters as the home team completed a dramatic run chase with four deliveries and as many wickets remaining.
