Ranji Trophy 2024: Dinesh Karthik Blasts TN Coach’s Critique of Sai Kishore After Disappointing Semi-Final Defeat
After Tamil Nadu’s March 4 Ranji Trophy semi-final loss to Mumbai, coach Sulakshan Kulkarni made remarks that infuriated Dinesh Karthik regarding R Sai Kishore making a mistake at the toss.
In an interview with the media, Kulkarni blamed Sai Kishore for choosing to bat first on the track, even asserting that they lost the match at the toss.
“I always speak straightforward — we lost the match at 9’o clock on Day One. Everything was set, we won the toss, as a coach, as a Mumbaikar, I know the conditions well. We should have bowled but the captain had some different instinct.
“Ultimately, he is the boss. I can give my feedback and inputs (as to) what kind of wickets and Mumbai’s mindset also. (From) 106/7, I knew before the match that this (Mumbai’s fightback) may happen,” said Kulkarni.
On Tuesday morning, Karthik took to X and attacked the coach’s remarks. The wicketkeeper expressed his disappointment at Kulkarni’s remarks, believing that instead of supporting Sai Kishore, he had thrown him under the bus.
“This is soo WRONG. This is so disappointing from the coach ..instead of backing the captain who has brought the team to the semis after 7 yrs and thinking it’s a start for good things to happen, the coach has absolutely thrown his captain and team under the bus,” said Karthik on X.
Mumbai advanced to the 48th Ranji Trophy final after defeating Tamil Nadu by an innings and 70 runs in the semi-final. After starting at bat, TN was only able to score 146 runs. Sai Kishore’s six wicket haul caused Mumbai’s batting collapse, but Tanush Kotian’s 89 and Shardul Thakur’s century saw them rally and end up with 378.
Mumbai won because the TN batting collapsed once more, being bowled out for 162.
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