IPL 2021 Playoffs, DC vs KKR (Qualifier 2): Dinesh Karthik fined for code violation

Former champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squeezed past Delhi Capitals (DC) by three wickets with a ball to spare during Qualifier 2 of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) Playoffs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. As a result, KKR placed itself in the final to take on fellow former champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Dubai on Friday.

However, during the match against DC, KKR had some nervy moments, as it lost five quick wickets in the final five overs, allowing DC to bounce back momentarily. During one of those moments, wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik was cleaned up by pacer Kagiso Rabada for an unfortunate duck.

FULL SCORECARD: IPL 2021 Playoffs, DC vs KKR (Qualifier 2)

However, following the dismissal, he had vented his frustration by punching and uprooting the off stump in the process. Consequently, he was rebuked for a breach of the code of conduct.

“Dinesh Karthik, the Kolkata Knight Riders wicketkeeper-batsman, has been reprimanded for breaching the VIVO Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct during his team’s Qualifier 2 against Delhi Capitals at Sharjah on Wednesday 13th October, 2021. Mr Karthik admitted to the Level 1 offence 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction,” said IPL in a statement.

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While Karthik would be aiming to be careful hereon, he would focus on performing in the upcoming final against CSK. Also, the sanction is unlikely to affect skipper Eoin Morgan or KKR’s mindset, as Karthiuk remains a vital part of KKR’s setup this season.