Dinesh Karthik could not prove even once in the last 8 matches: Irfan Pathan rips through RCB’s designated finisher
It’s a topsy-turvy season and a bag of mixed results for the Royal Challengers Bangalore so far. In eight games in the 2023 Indian Premier League so far, they have four wins and as many losses, sitting fifth in the 10-team points table.
While Faf du Plessis (422), Virat Kohli (333) and Glenn Maxwell (258) have been among the runs on top, the RCB middle order have failed to contribute. Part of them, the franchise’s designated finisher who was instrumental with the bat last season.
Dinesh Karthik scored 330 runs last season in 16 outings at a strike rate of 183.33. A season that helped him earn a spot back in India’s shortest format side and be part of the T20 World Cup squad in Australia. This season however, Karthik has only been able to amass 83 runs from the eight matches so far. A strike rate of 131.75.
Former India seamer Irfan Pathan also spoke on the middle order dilemma facing RCB.
“RCB’s middle order looks very weak. Karthik could not prove even once in the last 8 matches that the team can rely on him for big scores or during chases. RCB management will have to fix this loophole in their batting,” he told Star Sports.
He further added, “RCB will have to find a solution that if KGF (Kohli, Glenn, Faf) do not work then who will steer the team through troubled waters. Whether Dinesh Karthik or Mahipal Lomror.”
Bangalore next face Lucknow Super Giants on Monday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
