Dinesh Karthik has strongly criticized Tamil Nadu coach Sulakshan Kulkarni for singling out captain Sai Sudharshan following the team’s disappointing loss against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semifinal. Kulkarni attributed the defeat to Sudarshan’s decision to bat first after winning the toss on a pitch that appeared conducive to bowling, leading to a collapse in Tamil Nadu’s batting lineup. The team managed only 146 runs in their first innings, setting the stage for Mumbai’s dominance.

Expressing his disapproval, Karthik took to social media, posting five thumbs-down emojis and condemning the coach’s remarks. He lamented the coach’s decision to publicly criticize the captain, especially considering Sudharshan’s efforts in leading the team to the semifinals after a seven-year gap, viewing it as detrimental to team morale.

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“This is so WRONG. This is so disappointing from the coach… instead of backing the captain who has brought the team to the semis after 7 years and thinking it’s a start for good things to happen, the coach has absolutely thrown his captain and team under the bus,” Dinesh Karthik wrote on X.

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

👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽 https://t.co/Ii61X7Ajqs

— DK (@DineshKarthik) March 5, 2024

Despite the initial setback, Sai Sudharshan showcased his resilience with a remarkable six-wicket haul in Mumbai’s first innings, providing a glimmer of hope for Tamil Nadu. However, Mumbai’s lower-order resistance, led by Shardul Thakur’s century and Tanush Kotian’s gritty 89, propelled them to a commanding position, leaving Tamil Nadu with a daunting task in their second innings.

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Acknowledging Sai Sudharshan’s efforts, former India cricketer and head coach of the India women’s cricket team, WV Raman, commended the left-arm spinner for his leadership amidst challenging circumstances. He encouraged Sudharshan and the team to persevere despite the disappointment, emphasizing the importance of staying committed to the right approach.

“Well tried @saik_99 and team. Has been a season of trials and tribulations. But importantly, you adopted the right approach. Like truth can hurt you at times, doing the right thing might be disappointing as well. But hang in there and march on,” WV Raman wrote on X.

Well tried @saik_99 and team. Has been a season of trials and tribulations. But importantly, you adopted the right approach. Like truth can hurt you at times, doing the right thing might be disappointing as well. But hang in there and march on. @TNCACricket #cricket#TNvMUM

— Woorkeri Raman aka WV (@wvraman) March 5, 2024