IPL 2020: Flop XI of the first two weeks

5. Dinesh Karthik (KKR) (c/wk)

Pre-season, pundits such as Michael Vaughan had previewed that KKR’s middle order could be the singular reason behind them winning their third title this season. With the likes of Andre Russell, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik and Pat Cummins on the offer, it isn’t hard to understand their optimism. 

And that sentiment has been validified- at least to a certain extent. Of the two wins that KKR have registered this season, Morgan has been exceptionally consistent. The likes of Dre Russ, too, have come good in patches. Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Rahul Tripathi, too, have played innings of sizeable contribution. 

But as far the batting is concerned, captain DK himself has been the obvious outlier. Across his four outings so far, Karthik has managed to cross the double-figure mark only once. Granted, some of his dismissals have been against outright, ‘unplayable’ deliveries, but as the team’s captain, he will certainly need to perform better. 

His current run tally reads a run-a-ball 37-runs at an unceremonious average of 9.25 in IPL 2020. With vice-captain Morgan churning up good performances on regular basis, it will be interesting to see if and how DK is able to address his batting slump.