'If Dinesh Karthik cannot perform then...' - Former pacer Zaheer Khan points out a flaw in RCB's batting line-up

Zaheer Khan and Dinesh Karthik: (Image Source: Twitter)

In the southern Derby of the Indian Premier League 2023, CSK beat RCB by 8 runs on Monday. In the high-scoring encounter on Monday, where both sides scored more than 200 runs, CSK got the better of Royal Challengers Bangalore.

While batting first, CSK scored 226/6 in 20 overs, while RCB reache 218/8 in a heroic effort but fell short by eight runs. RCB skipper Faf du Plessis (62 off 33 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (76 off 36) were the highlights during the RCB chase.

Together, the pair scored 126 runs off just 61 balls, but their dismissals caused the batting order to crumble. Only 59 runs were scored in the final six overs, depriving RCB of the desired late flourish. Meanwhile, after the game, former pacer, Zaheer Khan slammed wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik for his batting approach.

Notably, Karthik has failed to capitalise on the opportunities this year. Speaking about the same he said,

“The way Faf and Max batted, especially with Virat Kohli getting dismissed early, we understand the pressure they were under. In the middle-order or to finish, if Dinesh Karthik cannot perform like the way he used to play previously, then these issues will persist all season long as the rest of them are inexperienced."

Eoin Morgan praises du Plessis and Glen Maxwell for fighting spirit

Further, while speaking with the broadcaster, former England skipper Eion Morgan praised du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell for their heroic batting performance.

Morgan said, "This contribution set RCB up to go the whole way. The run rate required was never an issue, huge power of a partnership where he and Maxwell got together 126 off just 61. Set them up. What I like about it is that they didn’t allow losing two wickets to hamper the shot selection. They just thought of putting as much pressure as possible on CSK.”

Morgan, further, praised Devon Conway as his innings helped CSK to win the game. Morgan said,

"His batting usually goes this way, he takes some time to settle in at the start but after that, if he plays, he plays for a long time. You need a batter that can score 83 runs on 45 balls and someone who plays on one end for 14-15 overs and maintain the strike rate. We spoke about his lack of contribution on this front before the game but whenever he has contributed, he has put CSK in a winning position, which is why they persist with him.”