BCCI.TV
When Quinton-Karun turned Batman-Robin
18 Apr, 2016
When Quinton-Karun turned Batman-Robin
18 Apr, 2016
When Delhi Daredevils were 50 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, chasing Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 191, the Bengaluru crowd was all but geared up to celebrate their team’s second victory in VIVO IPL 2016.
With the required run-rate over 10, the Daredevils’ hopes were pinned on two young batsmen – a 23-year-old South African with some international repute and a 24-year- old Indian who has gained many admirers in his short domestic career so far. They had never batted together before and had only basic knowledge of each other’s games. But together they managed to achieve something that will not fade away from their memories any time soon.
Quinton de Kock and Karun Nair forged a delightful alliance for 12.4 overs which produced 134 runs – the union that gave Delhi Daredevils a memorable seven-wicket win over heavyweights, RCB.
The protagonist of the partnership was de Kock, who displayed his utterly magnificent batting skills with an innings of 108 off 51 balls. Nair was flawless in his role of the anchor and finished the job with an unbeaten 54 off 42 balls. He was the Robin to de Kock’s Batman, the Watson to Quinton’s Sherlock.
After their superlative victory, the Quinton-Karun duo spoke to IPLT20.COM about their partnership and the experience of batting together.
Here are the snippets.
The Plan
Quinton de Kock: We didn’t have much of a plan. It was just about going out there and batting. We had lost two early wickets and all we could do was get a partnership going. Somehow we just stuck around and ended up winning a game like that. Hopefully more such partnerships will come about.
Karun Nair: Quinton just told me to play normal cricketing shots, hit the gaps and build a partnership. His was the best innings I have seen from the other end. I hope he keeps going this way and wins us more matches.
The chemistry
Nair: It was the first time that we were batting together.
de Kock: But it was easy. We just said we will bat like we do. He got a boundary here and a couple there, and I did the same. We kept it really simple, actually, just trying to get a boundary in the first two balls of an over. All in all, we had fun out there; just a couple of lads enjoying batting.
The joy from the other end
de Kock: This season we have a lot of young Indian batsmen in the top order. I enjoy it batting with them. These guys play with a lot of flair. There is no fear in the way they play. In the past we, as a team, got caught up in that a bit but now with the new, young blood coming in, it is lovely.
Nair: It was amazing to see how every time I thought that we needed a boundary or a six, Quinton just went and hit it. It took a lot of pressure off of me because I was then able to simply rotate the strike. I watched him play those shots and admired them. It was a good thing that I did not try to emulate him. I just played my game and let him do the hitting. I am glad we got through.
The Dravid impact
de Kock: The best thing about having Rahul as a coach is that he lets us play our own game. Normally you get one or two coaches who tell you how to play, but he just lets us be and express ourselves, which is how I like playing.
Nair: I have been lucky to have worked with him for the last two years at the Rajasthan Royals. Like Quinton said, he gives us the freedom and confidence to play our way.
