I had to wait to play the scoop – Dinesh Karthik spills the beans on his key strategy to play Harshal Patel

Dinesh Karthik was at his finishing best as he took the centerstage once again, propelling RCB to a humdinger victory over Punjab Kings. Things started on a shaky note for the hosts while chasing 177. With Virat Kohli regulating the innings till the 16th over with a fine half-century, RCB needed someone special to finish the job.

When you talk about finishers, who better than our very own DK? Walking out to a very crunch situation, Karthik kept his calm and waited for Mahipal Lomror to get the charge in motion. Not long after he followed suit and went all guns blazing against Punjab. With 47 needed off 22 when DK walked out to bat, he won the game for RCB with four balls to spare. He stayed unbeaten for a brilliant 28 off just 10 balls, grabbing the eyeballs like none other.

Talking after the match, DK said, “Little bit (dusting off the rustiness). I wasn't completely in control but getting there. We needed that (knock from Lomror), Anuj batted well last time but when Mahipal walked out.. he took the pressure off me.”

He further added, “Harshal is a wily customer, he has the dipping slower one and if you missed that you are a goner, I had to wait to play the scoop. I didn't say anything, he (Lomror) was calm and when he hit that six, I just told him to keep a still head.”