IND vs SA: You've Given A Lot Of Inspiration To Many Guys: Hardik Pandya To Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik, 37, continued to have a memorable year by scoring a critical 55 runs against South Africa in the fourth T20I in Rajkot, ensuring Team India’s victory and bringing the five-match series to a 2-2 tie. Karthik came out to bat in the 13th over and saw out the first few balls before teeing off, propelling India to reach 169/6 in 20 overs.

Karthik hit nine fours and two sixes in his innings. His half-century came in the penultimate over, following a 65-run stand for the fifth wicket alongside Hardik Pandya off just 33 balls, which resurrected India after they were reduced to 81 for 4 in the 13th over.

India scored 73 runs in their final five overs for a total of 169 for 6, which was more than enough for their bowling attack to defend.

Hardik Pandya Lauds Dinesh Karthik

Hardik told Dinesh after the game that he continues to be an inspiration to everyone.

“I need to tell you this, Genuinely I want to tell you this, you have given a lot of inspiration to many guys in their life. I remember the conversation you were having when you were not in the scheme of things, a lot of people counted you out,” Hardik told Dinesh Karthik in a video posted on the official website of BCCI.

“I remember those conversations, you told me then that my goal is to play for India again and the goal is to play this World Cup, I am going to give it my everything, and seeing you achieve that is very inspirational. A lot of people are going to learn new things. Well done my brother, very proud of you,” he added.

In the fourth T20I, Team India easily defended 169 runs, dismissing South Africa for 87 runs. Avesh Khan was the most successful bowler, returning with four wickets.

The series decider will now be played on Sunday evening at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Also Read: IND vs SA: India Are Working Towards T20 World Cup Goal: Harshal Patel