IPL 2021: KKR’s Dinesh Karthik optimistic about Phase 2: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vice-captain Dinesh Karthik is hopeful of the purple brigade’s promising performance in the second leg of IPL 2021. The wicket-keeper batsman said that the aim is to qualify for the playoffs, winning at least six out of seven games in UAE. In the first phase, KKR endured a poor run, losing five out of seven games.
Dinesh Karthik, who joined the KKR camp after a successful stint as a commentator in the UK, said the focus is on securing their berth in the playoffs. He further said that the team is in a good space and is optimistic about his side making an impact in the remaining matches of the tournament.
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“Overall as a team, I think we are in a decent space. We need to gel together as a group and make a difference this time. We want to win 6 out of 7 matches (to qualify),” the KKR website quoted Karthik as saying.
“It’s as simple as that. As a team that’s what we’ll be looking to do. Take one game at a time but try and win 6 out of 7 matches,” he added.
IPL 2021: KKR vice-captain Dinesh Karthik highly optimistic about Phase 2, says, ‘Will try to win 6 out of 7’
IPL 2021: The 2020 edition of IPL saw KKR moving really close to qualifying for the knockout stage. Having finished fifth owing to a not-so-healthy net run rate last year, KKR will want to have a change of fortune this time around in the UAE.
“Last year when we were in UAE, we missed it (qualifying for playoffs) by a whisker. We won as many matches as the last team had won but still just missed it by a whisker. Two years on the trot, we have been fifth on the table. That’s something that still gnaws at me,” Dinesh Karthik said.
IPL 2021: Even though KKR haven’t had a great run in the first phase of IPL 2021, having won just two out of 7 matches, Karthik insisted that the team would focus on the positives and continue to play aggressive cricket.
“KKR is known to play very positive and aggressive cricket. I want that to come through in the second half. I still think the team spirit is good. We’re positive and we have a coach who’s always infusing positivity into us,” said Dinesh Karthik.
“As fans, all I want to say is keep supporting us. We’ll try and play a brand of cricket that’ll make you proud. It did put a smile on your face at various points during the last two IPLs. We’ll try and put a bigger smile this time around,” he added.
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