IPL 2018: Dinesh Karthik backs Vinay Kumar to come back strong

Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Knight Riders tasted one victory and a defeat so far in the ongoing IPL season. In both the games, KKR’s pace unit failed to make it big as they conceded 70 runs in 8 overs against RCB in their game and 109 runs in 8.5 overs against CSK in their next game.

Vinay Kumar was facing the heat in both the games for conceding 65 runs in the 3.5 overs he bowled in two games thus far. Dinesh Karthik was asked if KKR will continue to persist with the pacer. The skipper sounded positive and backed the pacer for bowling in pressurized situations in both the games.

“Look, to be fair to him, I think he bowled with a lot of pressure in both the games — the first over and the 20th in both games. He will be the first one to put his hand up and say he could have bowled a lot better. But having said that, I know he is a strong character and he will come back strong,” said Karthik to SportStar.

Shivam Mavi and Nagarkoti in the XI?

When asked if KKR is missing the serious pace in the death  overs, Karthik was quick to respond that there are many pace options available for the franchise in Russell, Curran and Johnson. KKR is yet to use their young pacers Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

“Russell bowling some good pace, that’s very good sign for us. Curran bowled well considering it was his first game. Mitchell Johnson is there and we have (Kamlesh) Nagarkoti. So we have pace in the kitty. At this point can’t say whether we are going for Nagarkoti or Shivam Mavi. We will think about it and decide the combination.”

KKR will take on SRH at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday. The hosts will aim to rattle the table toppers while the visitors will back themselves to keep their side on top of the table.

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