IPL 2018, Eliminator, KKR vs RR: 5 talking points

#4 Dinesh Karthik leads the recovery for KKR

The KKR skipper scored a brilliant half-century that revived his side's chances tonight after a poor start

There were a few eyebrows raised when Dinesh Karthik was named as KKR skipper for the 2018 IPL and the 32-year-old had a tough start to the campaign with a few questions marks raised about his calls as skipper.

Slowly but surely, Karthik has grown into the role, especially with the bat, playing a calm and composed role in the middle order helping his side tackle the middle overs as well as going for the attack towards the death overs.

Tonight was a perfect example of the same, with Karthik coming to the rescue yet again with his side in deep trouble at 24/3 within the first four overs.

Along with Chris Lynn, Karthik ensured that the regular fall of wickets was arrested and build a decent partnership with the Australian before getting a move on the run-rate once the former departed.

Shubham Gill's cameo helped Karthik get into his stride no doubt but the skipper carried on with his good start to score 52 off 38 balls at a time when KKR were in real danger of folding up for a low total.