IPL 2022: Dinesh Karthik Has Been Exceptional In Terms Of Finishing - Mike Hesson

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicket-keeper batter, Dinesh Karthik, has made sure the team doesn’t miss the likes of AB de Villiers, as per director of cricket operations, Mike Hesson.

Karthik’s ability to come in and take the bowlers on right from the get-go has ensured RCB always finishes well in their death overs. Ahead of the season, he was given the responsibility that belonged to de Villiers.

Despite knowing these are big shoes to fill in, Karthik never felt the pressure and played his natural game. He has scored 287 runs in 14 games at a stunning strike rate of 191.33, reposing the faith shown in him by the franchise.

“Dinesh Karthik has been a rock that you need when you miss a guy like AB de Villiers. We talked about how we are going to replace de Villiers, and we know we are not doing that, but Karthik has been exceptional in terms of finishing.”

“Wanindu is exceptional in terms of those middle over wickets” – Mike Hesson

Hesson also lavished praise on Wanindu Hasaranga, for whom RCB shelled out INR 10.5 crores. He is the leading wicket-taker for the team with 24 wickets in 14 games and similar to Karthik, has plugged in holes left by the departure of former player, Yuzvendra Chahal.

“Wanindu is exceptional in terms of those middle over wickets for us. You can only control the back end of the innings if you can take wickets in the middle. The wickets he has got are critical.”

“Mohammed Siraj hasn’t been quite at his best but has still had some impactful performances, especially through the middle, which have helped us at times,” Hesson further stated.

RCB will face off against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator on May 25.

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