Dinesh Karthik’s match-winning knock against Punjab Kings on March 25, Monday earned the praise of AB de Villiers, who feels that the Indian wicketkeeper has been a fine addition to the side since joining them in 2022. Karthik produced a stellar knock of 28 from deliveries and hit the winning runs for his side as they got the first points of the IPL 2024 season.
Speaking to JioCinema, De Villiers first praised Kohli for his knock before turning his attention towards Karthik and his knock. The former RCB man felt the franchise made a bold move by going for the wicket-keeper batter, but felt he had repaid the faith.
“I thought Virat played superbly. Kept the innings together for the guys. And then DK, what an addition to that side. In that middle-order or finishing role. I thought it was a bold move back then,” said De Villiers.
De Villiers hailed the smartness of Karthik during his knock. Despite it not being the best bowling at the death, according to the former Proteas captain, he felt Karthik didn’t take any risks and was very calculated and said he was proud of the knock from the veteran wicketkeeper.
“But the calmness that he brings, and how smart he is. Yes, not the best bowling at the back end of an innings. But he didn’t take a lot of risk. He was very calculated and knew they couldn’t lose another wicket. 28 runs off 10 balls at the back end, whether good or bad bowling, is an exceptional effort. Obviously, had backing with Lomror there as well.”
“All in all a match-winning effort from him and I am really proud of him,” said De Villiers.
Karthik changed the tide of the game in the final two overs. Having come in at a time when the chase was seemingly going away from his side, Karthik hit a boundary and a six off Harshal Patel before doing the same to Arshdeep Singh in the final over.
RCB will next face KKR at home on March 28.
