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"UK Complained...": Karthik Takes Quirky 'Smile' Dig At Gambhir And Andy Flower

Soumyajit Dutta

Dinesh Karthik takes a dig at Gambhir, Andy Flower and Nasser Hussain [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Dinesh Karthik takes a dig at Gambhir, Andy Flower and Nasser Hussain [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Of all the victories witnessed at Trent Bridge on Thursday night, perhaps the most difficult was getting a smile out of Andy Flower. This, according to veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, is a challenge on par with winning The Hundred itself.

The occasion was the post-match presentation following a comprehensive victory by the Trent Rockets, who effectively hammered the final nail into the coffin of the Manchester Originals' playoff hopes. However, as the formalities wound down, Karthik, on duty for Sky Sports, turned analyst of a different kind, directing his inquiry not at the match, but at the famously stoic demeanour of Rockets coach Flower and Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Karthik Mischieviously Pulls Off Triple Blow Dig

In a moment of pure, quirky humour, Karthik launched a mock public service announcement on behalf of a concerned United Kingdom while speaking on Sky Sports.

"All of UK has complained and tweeted about it and written to Sky Sports. Three people over the summer, they haven't found a way to get them to smile... Gautam Gambhir, Nasser Hussain and you. Why are people not able to see you smiling when you wear the coach's hat?" Karthik said while laughing.

The dig was a triple blow, grouping the Trent Rockets and Royal Challengers Bangalore coach with two other iconic figures known for their intense, game-face expressions, India coach Gautam Gambhir and esteemed Sky Sports commentator Nasser Hussain.

Flower, a man whose serene composure is as much a part of his brand as his tactical acumen, offered a wry defence. "DK people misunderstand me completely, you know that surely," he replied, a hint of a smile perhaps finally playing on his lips at the absurdity of the accusation.

The light-hearted exchange provided a hilarious contrast to the brutal efficiency his Trent Rockets had displayed on the field just moments earlier. Their performance was anything but smiling matter for the Manchester Originals.

Rockets Dismantle Manchester Effortlessly

After being put in to bat, the Originals were systematically dismantled. The destruction began with skipper David Willey, whose devastating 20-ball spell of 3/11 sent the top order packing, claiming the massive wickets of Jos Buttler, Ben McKinney, and Rachin Ravindra. 

The pressure was never released, as spinners George Linde and Rehan Ahmed tightened the screws further, combining for 2/27 from their 40 deliveries.

Though the Originals snatched early wickets of Joe Root and Tom Banton to flicker a brief hope, the target was never daunting. Rehan Ahmed, transitioning from his bowling success, shone with the bat, his sprightly 45* off 32 balls guiding the Rockets home with ease. He was ably supported by Tom Moores (22*) as they sealed the win with a massive 26 balls to spare.