Karthik scored 38 not out off 26 balls in the IPL 2024 opener against CSK.
Since the last IPL, the only competitive cricket Karthik played was in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He performed broadcasting duties right through the year, which includes commentating in the World Cup 2023 and the recently held India-England Test series
Karthik, who scored 38 not out off 26 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes in the opening IPL fixture, admitted that finding training time in between his commentary stints was tough.
“It’s been extremely challenging, doing a bit of commentary and to keep practising cricket between Test matches and in between the time that I get, it’s been a lot of hard work.
“So, I am happy that Game 1 has gone positively for me, and it feels good to score some runs,” Karthik told reporters after the game.
While the fixtures for the second phase of IPL is yet to be announced, Karthik is hoping that play-offs happen at his home ground and he can return to Chepauk to play his last IPL game.
“Time will tell, I guess. I genuinely wish it’s not because the last couple of (playoff) games will be here, so I could be back for that, which could then be my last (here),” the 38-year-old said when asked if it could be last game in Chennai.
Coming to the match, RCB lost half their side for just 78 runs despite a 41-run opening stand between skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli.
However, a resilient effort from Anuj Rawat (48 off 25 balls) and Dinesh Karthik propelled RCB to a competitive total of 173/6 in 20 overs.
Mustafizur Rahman starred with the ball for CSK, returning with the figures of 4 for 29 in his four overs. Karthik was all praise for the left-arm pacer from Bangladesh.
“He bowled brilliantly. He showed his skills in all the three spells,” Karthik stated. “He is bowling a lot quicker than he normally does and hits the right lengths. The slower balls came out well. It was a very good pitch. Not the usual slow Chepauk turner that we are visualising in our mind.”
“The ball skid on a lot more, and it was good for batting, and he (Rahman) bowled well. What makes it tough is that he can bowl at 138/139 (kmph), and then he has a slower one, which is very deceptive. And he bowls it at 121/125 (km/h), which makes it hard to line him up.”
Karthik, who shared a 95-run stand with Anuj Rawat, had special praise reserved for the young left-hander.
“I couldn’t be happier for him. He has been a part of this team for two years, and people can see how much talent he has. The ball flies off his bat. He has got great bat speed and is a strong boy. He works hard at the nets,” Karthik said.
“The last two years haven’t exactly panned out. Last year, he showed towards the end how good he is, but today (Friday), he showed what skills he has got.
“I just wish he keeps continuing this form because he is a key player for us. A left-arm hander through the middle and hits the long ball with a lot of power. So, it’s great to see him do so well,” he remarked.
RCB’s next match is scheduled against Punjab Kings in Bengaluru on Monday (March 25).
(With PTI Inputs)