Performances of young guns such as Shubman Gill, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi is a cause of genuine delight, but it's equally important for them to not get carried away or for the side to put extra pressure on them, feels Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Dinesh Karthik.
Karthik balanced praise with caution for the trio after they stole the limelight with brilliant contributions in the win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 12 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in Dubai on Wednesday (September 30).
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While opener Gill's (47) fluent knock was key to KKR setting up the score of 174/6, pacers Nagarkoti (2/13) and Mavi (2/20) were just as crucial with their spells in the team being able to defend that at the end by 37 runs.
“Definitely, I think the fact that these young boys are doing well is very good. I don’t think we should get too carried away and, you know, make it a lot about them, just the fact that they’re doing well is very good,” Karthik said during the post-match virtual media interaction, as quoted by PTI.
“I don’t want to add pressure on them by making them feel that they are the ones that we are dependent on… There are fabulous cricketers around them as well who will play a role and make them look even better than what they are.”
The captain reserved special praise for Nagarkoti and Mavi, as their pairing together for KKR was much-anticipated since they won India the 2018 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand. The two had faced injuries but are now back with a bang.
“I’ve been wanting to see them since the time they played the (2018 U-19) World Cup and now it’s just great to see them both on the field," said Karthik.
“To see these boys out there playing for us, representing our franchise, the fact that we’ve stuck with them and to see them out there makes us so happy. The fact that they’re bowling well and fielding well is a bonus,” he added.
Even though fantastically capable, both young quicks wouldn't argue if the role of experienced Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins in their success on the day is stressed upon.
It was Cummins who lay a solid foundation of KKR's defence with a terrific spell of 1/13 in the powerplay, taking the wicket of opposition skipper and arguably their most skillful batsman on a slowing pitch, Steve Smith.
“Cummins is an extraordinary role model for everybody. To have a player like him around is a confidence-booster because. He’s so good with the young kids and he’s just great to have around the team," said Karthik.
“I think the boys are learning a lot. The fact that he’s interacting with all these guys not only on-the-field but making a genuine effort off-the-field makes a massive difference."
Incisive finger-spinner Varun Chakravarthy (2/25) also played his part in the middle-overs.
“The poor guy had a few injuries but I’m really happy to see him. He’s from Chennai so obviously I’m really fond of him for the fact that we are both playing together. He had a few doubts because of his injury but I’m just happy to see him out there," said Karthik.
KKR, having pulled off two wins out of three games, next face Delhi Capitals (DC) in Sharjah on Saturday (October 3).
