Former Indian fast bowler, Ashish Nehra has heaped praise on Dinesh Karthik after his top knock in the fourth T20I against South Africa, saying that it is never easy for a senior player to make such a comeback. Karthik’s blistering 55 off 27 balls helped India secure a comfortable win against the Proteas and level the series 2-2 heading into the final game in Bengaluru.

When he walked in, the men in blue were in a spot of bother and needed someone to not just steady the innings but also play the big shots to post a strong total. Dinesh Karthik, whose innings consisted of nine boundaries and a couple of sixes, helped India reach a winning score of 169 runs in 20 overs. The South African batting lineup crumbled before the Indian bowlers and folded for 87 runs.

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The Tamil Nadu batter was adjudged Man of the Match for his performance as well. Commenting on Karthik’s performance after the match, during a chat with Cricbuzz, Ashish Nehra reckons that it is not easy for a senior player to make such a comeback. He also said that the 37-year-old batter was in search of a big knock and has the ability to switch gears and play as a finisher and steady the ship when required.

Elaborating the same, Ashish Nehra said, “It’s never easy for a senior player to make such a comeback. He did start off well in the series, but was in search of a big knock. While he had been scoring impactful runs, it was good to see him bat at No. 6 today and score a half-century. You expect this from an experienced player. He was chosen as a finisher, but he also knows how to steady the ship when needed.”

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He further added, “The team management will be very happy with his performance. South Africa’s bowling wasn’t up to the mark when Dinesh Karthik was batting. But the reputation of a player like him forces the opposition to make such errors. More than the bowler, he is playing according to the field. When the square-leg and fine-leg were in the circle, he was looking to play over them right from the beginning.”