IPL 2018: "I can see a lot of years of India Blues in Shubman Gill," says Dinesh Karthik

Shubman Gill played an impressive innings under pressure against Chennai Super Kings.

Shubman Gill with Dinesh Karthik, KKR skipper.  | IANS

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a much-needed victory at their home ground to make the points table interesting. They defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the table toppers before this game, to climb to the third spot in the points tally.

It was a Shubman Gill special (36-ball 57* runs) which gave his team a lifeline in the tournament. The 18-year-old was promoted in the batting order, which turned out to be a good move by skipper Dinesh Karthik.

Karthik batted with Gill to guide KKR home and stitched up 83* runs with him in the process. 

Karthik said, ”Credit to the franchise, they picked a lot of under-19 players. They are really skilled players. That boy is special. I don’t want to hype it up and put extra pressure on him. I can see a lot of years of India Blues in him.”

He also explained his decision to use spinners in the powerplay and death overs. “I picked it up early, that spinners would get assistance on this wicket. Our bowlers are so confident. They wanted to bowl. You need to be pushing boundaries. He (Narine) is a thorough all-rounder. He provides impetus at the top and also bowled the pressure overs. He’s a great player to have in the team.”

The all-rounder Sunil Narine was picked for the Man of the Match award. “I’ll stick to my bowling (when asked if he was a batting all-rounder or bowling all-rounder). That made me the cricketer I am today. It’s nice to come out with a win,” he said. 

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 04 May, 2018

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