Credit goes to Gambhir and Lynn, they batted exceptionally well: Dinesh Karthik

Gujarat Lions and Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper accredited to the opening pair of Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn who took the game away from Gujarat in double-quick time. They make a mockery of Gujarat’s total of 183 without losing a single wicket with more than 5 overs to spare.

Karthik, who himself stroked the ball well in his innings of 47, thought that his team’s total was slightly above par.

“Scoreline doesn’t justify the nature of the track and 183 was touch above par but credit to Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn,” Karthik said at the post-match press conference

“I do feel that they played exceptionally well but some of the shots they played were mind boggling. But I feel that we could have bowled better,” he said.

Gambhir surprised everyone when he walked out to bat in the company of Chris Lynn instead of his usual batting partner Robin Uthappa. Karthik, though, was wary of experimentations especially since the tournament has just only started.

“This was the first match of the tournament for both of us and don’t know what they were going to do. We were open-minded and I don’t think to be surprised about their opening pair,” he said.

“What was surprising that we lost the game, they really batted well, they were hitting sixes even on the good balls, and at that time it’s difficult for bowlers to pick up right area to bowl.”

In a desperate measure to think beyond convention, Raina called in part-time bowler Dwayne Smith to bowl the 7^th over and was immediately scathed by Lynn as he took 23 runs – including two hits over the ropes – to record his first fifty in IPL cricket which came off just 19 balls.

Karthik, however, defended Raina’s decision to get Smith to bowl. “Dwayne Smith had done well last year for us but it was just a offf day for whole team.”

Gujarat missed their star all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo, both out due to injuries. They are expected to get back in action soon which will add experience to their otherwise pedestrian bowling attack.

“Jadeja and Bravo are irreplaceable players.” Karthik said while highlighting that the team who could bounce back quickly from such demoralizing defeats has an edge in such a long tournament.

“Getting ready after setback in less time is what IPL is all about. We have a next game against Hyderabad and want to start afresh, putting our best foot forward,” the 31-year old quipped.

Gujarat indeed will have to lift them up and prepare for their first away game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad tomorrow afternoon. They need to strengthen their bowling line-up. Prudently, only one out of Jason Roy and Dwayne Smith can start in the playing XI. They must replace one of them with James Faulkner who is a premier T20 bowler and bats as well.