Dinesh Karthik Slammed By Irfan Pathan For Torrid Run in IPL 2023
Dinesh Karthik has been underwhelming in the IPL [Source: AP]
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has launched a scathing attack on the RCB batting line-up, particularly Dinesh Karthik, for their dreadful run in the ongoing IPL 2023 season.
The cricketer-turned-commentator noted that RCB have been over-relying on their openers off late, and they quickly need a way to click together on the batting front.
Pathan’s claims can be backed by the ongoing ‘Orange Cap’ race, as it features both RCB openers, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, within the top five run-getters of the season. Notably, the latter of the two even held the ‘Orange Cap’ for a significant period this year before Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal snatched it away.
Irfan Pathan says RCB cannot rely on Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik was roped in by the RCB franchise in IPL 2022. In turn, the seasoned campaigner repaid their faith with a blockbuster season, charting 330 runs at a strike rate of 183.33 and earning himself a return to the Indian national team.
However, the veteran wicketkeeper has failed to replicate his last year’s success this time around. After appearing in RCB’s first eight matches this season, the cricketer has managed to score just 83 runs at a below-par average of 11.86.
In RCB’s batting department this year, most of the heavy lifting has been performed by Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis and hard-hitting Australian Glenn Maxwell. Apart from Maxwell, the rest of the middle-order have failed to uphold the top-order charge, thus leading to an uneven season for the franchise so far.
Irfan Pathan feels Dinesh Karthik has proven to be an unreliable commodity for RCB and advised the franchise to find a new solution before their playoffs’ hopes are dashed for good. Speaking on the Star Sports network, he said:
"RCB will have to find a solution that if Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis do not work then who will steer the team through troubled waters. Whether Dinesh Karthik or Mahipal Lomror. Their middle order looks very weak. Karthik could not prove even once in the last 8 matches that the team can rely on him for big scores or during chases. The management will have to fix this loophole in their batting."
After the first eight games, RCB find themselves at number six on the IPL 2023 points table. They have managed to secure four wins and as many defeats, and will hope to get their campaign back within as the tournament progresses.
 "Aakash Saini")
