'I played peacemaker, things have come to a standstill right now' - Dinesh Karthik reveals reason behind R Ashwin and Eoin Morgan's altercation

Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals locked horns with each other for the Match 41 of the Indian Premier League. With the race of the play-offs already heating up, the teams have been punching above their weights to secure a win. An intense moment was thus witnessed whilst the match between Delhi and Kolkata.

On the last ball of the 19^th over ,a throw hit Rishabh Pant’s arm and that is when the batters on the field decided to take an extra run. Ravichandran Ashwin was then dismissed on the next ball by Southee. The bowler bowled a back of length slower delivery which Ashwin tried to pull but was caught at deep square leg by Nitish Rana.

This led to an exchange of words between the off-spinner and Southee. Things further heated up when the KKR skipper Eoin Morgan also chimed in the scenario. The off-spinner then approached the England batter to have a discussion in what appeared as a heated argument. Dinesh Karthik then came in between the two and tried to calm the situation down and avoid any further complications.

I played peacemaker and things have come to a good standstill right now: Dinesh Karthik

“Rahul Tripathi threw the ball, it hit Rishabh Pant, and then it ricocheted off that. Then (Ravichandran) Ashwin called for it and they started to run. I don’t think (Eoin) Morgan appreciates that. He is somebody who, when the ball hits the batsman or the pad, expects them not to run in the spirit of cricket. It’s a very grey area and a very interesting topic. I have my own opinion on it but at the moment I’d just say I am happy I played peacemaker and things have come to a good standstill right now,” Karthik said at the virtual press conference.

When KKR came down to chase the comparatively low total, DC’s bowlers tried to dominate the proceedings by clinching frequent wickets. The in-form Venkatesh Iyer and Rahul Tripathi were sent back early on by Lalit Yadav and Avesh Khan respectively. Ashwin picked up the wicket of Morgan as the batter walked out for a duck. However, Dinesh Karthik and Sunil Narine played a quick cameo followed by a finishing touch by Rana to strengthen KKR’s position as the team won by three wickets.