Karthik’s innings consisted of five fours and five sixes after being dropped on five by Rishabh Pant off Kuldeep Yadav’s delivery. Moreover, he had five boundaries and five hits over the fence to power the team’s 189 runs in the first innings.
In reply, DC was confined to 173 for seven after top-scorer David Warner completed 66 off 38 balls. Among RCB’s bowlers, Josh Hazlewood finished on 3/29 in four overs.
In six innings throughout IPL 2022, Karthik has scored 197 runs in just 94 deliveries. His strike rate is at 209.6 with a boundary every three balls. In all six sessions, his strike rate never fell below 190, nor once did he go without hitting a boundary.
Karthik’s Indian team dream
Karthik has often spoken about his ambitions to run for an India return or be part of the T20 World Cup. He reiterated his goals as he received the Player of the Match award. In addition, he revealed that he is eyeing the finisher role in India's T20I team.
"I must admit I have a bigger goal," the 34-ball 66 rescuer of the day told host broadcaster Star Sports. "I have been working really, really hard. Sometimes people don’t believe it. But my aim is to do something special for the country. This is part of the journey. I have been doing everything I can to be part of that Indian team. This is one step in that direction."
"The way DK is playing at the moment, I sound like a broken record but he is in the form of his life," Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis said. "What makes him even more (special) is he is so clear in his game plans. He is so calm and composed right through. Obviously very lucky to have him in our team at the moment."
When asked about the calm he seems to always possess, the 36-year-old wicketkeeper said, "It’s good to know people associate calmness with me."
"Generally they say I am a little restless. I must admit positions and calmness come from preparation. When you know how you are going to go about an innings, it gives you a chance to be calm. Apart from that, trying to stay in the moment even though it sounds a little cliched. It is very important for my batting."
Karthik’s English commentary
After the 2021 season of the IPL was temporarily postponed, Karthik stayed in England for the better part of last summer. While his dream of making an India comeback had to be halted, he steered a little for a while and prepared for something new.
He joined as a newcomer to the commentary field, appearing to talk on various cricket shows. Though his voice was well accepted, as he interjected humour while maintaining candour and offering insights, his dream sounded dubious to some because doing commentary normally goes hand-in-hand with retirement, especially at his age. He had to work harder to prove them wrong.
