Dinesh Karthik (DK), the wicket-keeper batsman of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), had a difficult time yet again as he only managed to score seven runs off five balls against the Punjab Kings on April 20th in Mohali. Dinesh Karthik was anticipated to finish off the innings when he arrived at the crease in the 17th over at 137-2, but his low score added to his woes in what has been a tough season for him so far.
In the previous season, Dinesh Karthik had an impressive performance, but this year he has only scored 45 runs in six games, averaging nine. In an earlier match, Dinesh Karthik set an unenviable record for the most number of ducks in IPL history (15) when he was dismissed on the first ball he faced against the Delhi Capitals. Fans expressed their displeasure on social media, with some even suggesting that Dinesh Karthik should return to commentary.
Dinesh Karthik was trolled brutally:
DK No offence but ho gaya Bhai.
The commentary box is missing you and you will perform better there. #PBKSvRCB #dineshkarthik #CricketTwitter— Mudit ???????? (@MuditHastir) April 20, 2023
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have struggled with inconsistency this season, managing to win only two of their five matches. This is a stark contrast to their previous three seasons, during which they made it to the playoffs. With their sluggish start, RCB will face a challenging task to secure a spot in the playoffs this year.
Virat Kohli lead RCB for the first time since 2021
In the match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli returned to lead the team. Although the regular skipper Faf du Plessis was included in the playing XI, Kohli revealed that he would most likely be replaced during the fielding innings because of a rib injury he had sustained in the previous game against the Chennai Super Kings.
“Faf potentially can’t be fielding today, so he’ll be playing as an impact player, switching with Vyshak. We got to do what we wanted, we would have batted first, the pitch could get slow, some scruff marks will help the bowlers going deep into the game. Taking one game at a time, focusing on our own game, make the most of crunch situations, we haven’t done that so far in the tournament.”
Virat Kohli, who led RCB for the first time since the 2021 season, played a fantastic innings of 59 runs off 47 balls in the match, while Faf du Plessis scored a brilliant 84 runs off just 56 deliveries. After being asked to bat first by PBKS skipper Sam Curran, the opening duo of Virat and Faf provided a great start to the team with a 137-run partnership off 97 deliveries.
Despite a minor collapse in the middle order, the team managed to finish with a total of 174-4 in their 20 overs on a dry, two-paced pitch.