IPL 2018: CSK vs KKR - 5 Turning Points

#2 Dinesh Karthik's leadership

DK had an average outing with the bat as well as a captain (Image: FB/KKR)

Karthik’s captaincy was not up to the mark in this game. Opting to bowl Vinay Kumar in the first game cost the team 30 runs from two overs and in this game, the match itself. With 17 runs to get in the last over, Karthik opted for Vinay Kumar rather than in-form bowler Kuldeep Yadav. A serious tactical error that would haunt the KKR skipper for long.

While giving Kuldeep the last over wouldn't have assured KKR of a win but the odds would surely have been better.

Karthik would also have to think about how to use his bowling options. Unlike Gambhir, who tactically used his bowlers, Karthik tends to go with his gut feeling. Well, when it comes off, it is a great move. Just like when he used Nitish Rana for one over against RCB. But when it doesn’t, the team ends up losing two vital points.

If KKR want to make headway in the tournament, they would need their captain to lead from the front and make few tough calls. Even if that means, dropping Kumar and including Kamlesh Nagarkoti or Shivam Mavi as Kumar has given away 65 runs in 3.5 overs that he has bowled in two games.