IPL 2019: Shubman Gills is not Upset with his Batting Position - Dinesh Karthik

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Shubman Gill has had minimal opportunities to showcase his talent in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League. Many have tipped the Kolkata management to promote Gill in the batting order, but skipper Dinesh Karthik believes there are no vacant spots in the top-order for the young kid.

The franchise based in Kolkata has a jam-packed batting order with Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine opening the batting for them. Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana – who have exceedingly well in the last two years follows the openers. Furthermore, Dinesh Karthik, Andre Russell, and Shubman Gill complete the middle order for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Recently, the absence of Chris Lynn prompted the management to send Gill at the top-order. He responded well with a well-made half-century; however, once again had to slot down in the next match.

Read More: Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin’s Hilarious Bhangra After Win

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwari recently tore apart the Kolkata Knight Riders management for their treatment of the meted out to Shubman Gill. He said that the franchise could have used the Punjab cricketer’s current form and provide a domestic player to bat higher ahead of the overseas cricketers. Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik has responded to the criticism saying that it was only one opportunity due to unforeseeable situations. He also added that it is about the whole team combination and not just one talented young cricketer.

“I’ve been asked this a number of times… Look, we’ve made it clear to Shubman that, as and when opportunities arise, he will be sent up the order,” Karthik told the Telegraph.

Shubman is not upset: Karthik

Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana have done a great job for Kolkata Knight Riders batting at the top of the order. Dinesh Karthik said it is important to show trust in them and equally to Shubman Gill who has come up the ranks really quick. The veteran cricketer also stated that Gill is not sad about it and is upbeat to contribute wherever and whenever possible.

“Question is whether we can bat Shubman at No. 3 or No. 4. Well, Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana have won us matches from those positions and, again, it’s a matter of showing faith. I need to show faith in Shubman, yes, equally I have a responsibility to give Robin and Nitish enough opportunities. As the captain, I have to show faith… Is Shubman upset at going down the order? I don’t think so,” Karthik concluded.

Shubman Gill made his IPL debut last year for the Kolkata Knight Riders. So far, he has played 21 matches scoring 323 runs at a strike rate of 160+ and an average of 32.30 including two half-centuries. On the back of the exciting scores in the domestic circuit, the 20-year-old also made his international ODI debut against New Zealand earlier this year.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: BCCI Add Ambati Rayudu and Rishabh Pant as Standbys For the Premier Tournament