Currently, the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are hosting the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 52nd game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). After winning the toss, the KKR skipper, Dinesh Karthik asked the hosts to bat and first and his decision paid him rich dividend as Kolkata dismissed both the Punjab openers under the powerplay itself. 

During the toss, the KXIP skipper, R Ashwin said that they have made three changes in their squad as Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Prabhsimran Singh, and David Miller made way for Andrey Tye, Sam Curran, and Mandeep Singh. On the other hand, KKR made no changes to their winning squad.

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Rahul got out in the 3rd over of Sandeep Warrier owing to a brilliant running catch by Chris Lynn and in the next over of the same bowler, Gayle also lost his wicket and Punjab was struggling at 28/2 after 5 over. However, something interesting took place in the final over of the powerplay. When Karthik was seen losing his cool on Andre Russell after the all-rounder got smashed for a six by Nicholas Pooran.

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Karthik may be known as one of the calmest cricketers in the world. But one has to say that even he loses his demeanor and the testimony of the same was seen on the game. He gave Russell a piece of his mind after the Windies all-rounder was smashed for runs by Pooran. This issue assumes even further importance following Russell’s recent controversial statements where he revealed in-fighting between the players and the team management of KKR, which would not have made their skipper any happier considering the question remarks over his captaincy.

Here is how Twitter reacted after the incident:

@DineshKarthik meltdown at time off ?? What’s going on #KKR ??

— cjaisree 🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@cjaisree) May 3, 2019

@bhogleharsha Any thoughts Harsha on the very public display of aggression shown by the captains this season. First Dhoni, then Ashwin and today Dinesh Karthik. What could be triggering this behaviour?

— Siddhartha (@apachesid) May 3, 2019

Agreed but that’s very unlike Dinesh Karthik. And the recent news from the KKR camp hasn’t been pleasing too after Russell spilled the beans regarding the team atmosphere.
Should have dealt with it behind the closed doors of the dressing room.
Anyone would feel betrayed by that.

— Parag🇮🇳 (@im_parag21) May 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/harshitaa112/status/1124336219775569920

An oddly different IPL this… Two normally cool customers in MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik have lost their calm more than just once. Probably shows that there is a lot at stake in the #VIVOIPL than anywhere else. #IPL19 #KXIPvKKR

— S Sudarshanan (@Sudarshanan7) May 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/Ashwin_Gour/status/1124337645302059009

First time saw @DineshKarthik animated on the field. This aggression was missing throughout the season. Better late than never. Bowling changes are great so far. I am just happy that Captain is leading his team. #KXIPvKKR

— Ross Geller, Ph.D. (@iamshorgo) May 3, 2019

#IPL #KXIPvKKR Dinesh Karthik should stop annoying his bowlers. Every over, he just comes running down the pitch to advise them. Not cool.

— zeropointone (@zeropointone3) May 3, 2019

It's sad to see a cool, humble, down to earth guy like @DineshKarthik losing cool and having a heated discussion with his team. It's now open for everyone to see what's wrong with KKR's culture.#KXIPvKKR

— potatospeaks (@filhaal_nihal) May 3, 2019