Veteran wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik was the star performer for Tamil Nadu against Karnataka, as his fighting hundred kept his stateside in the hunt on day three of their opening Ranji Trophy 2019-20 fixture at NPR College Ground, Dindigul on Wednesday (December 11).
The 34-year-old showed a lot of patience, mixing defense and attack to keep the Karnataka bowlers at bay during his 235 balls 113-run knock, as well as, stitched crucial partnership of 58 runs with N Jagadeesan (29) to help Tamil Nadu to stay in the match despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
However, Karnataka managed to gain the all-important first-innings lead of 89 for 5 at the end of day three against Tamil Nadu, thanks to off-spinner Krishnappa Gowtham’s brilliant bowling 6/110.
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After the end of day three’s play, the right-hander said he always wants to give his best for Tamil Nadu and he was happy to continue to do the same, but disappointed with the fact that his ton was not enough to take his side past Karnataka’s first-innings total, called for better show from tailenders.
Karthik said, “I like to give my best for Tamil Nadu. It’s great being a part of this group. I like being on the journey with the Stateside. It’s been a great ride. Some of the tailenders could have played better shots. But they are young and they will learn.”
The batsman also opened up about the challenges of facing Karnataka’s Gowtham and paceman Ronit More, “Gowtham bowled long spells and was getting the ball to drift and it was a nice duel with him. Ronit is a good bowler; he can be sharp, moves the ball.”
On being asked about giving up the red ball captaincy to Vijay Shankar, Karthik said, “We have youngsters like Vijay Shankar and B. Aparajith who should be given the opportunity to lead the side when the seniors are still around them. They will learn a lot. It will be a part of their development.”
The wicket-keeper batsman didn't complain about the pitch condition and said his side have shown great fightback in the game even after conceding the lead to Karnataka. Karthik signed off by saying, “It’s not as bad as some of the numbers suggest. You need to apply yourself. It says much about the character of this side.”
(With Sportstar Inputs)
