‘Not easy for anyone to defend four runs’ – Irfan Pathan lauds Kartik Tyagi for stunning last over against Punjab Kings

Rajasthan Royals pulled off a jailbreak against Punjab Kings, registering a two-run triumph at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It was the first encounter of both teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021’s UAE leg and Punjab was asked to chase 186. Although the total was competition, PBKS were on command for the major part. The equation came down to Punjab needing paltry four runs in the final over with eight wickets in hand.

While Punjab’s victory seemed a mere formality, Kartik Tyagi had other plans. The right-arm pacer bowled a stunning last over and gave just a solitary run. He also dismissed dashers Nicholas Pooran and Deepak Hooda in the final over. Riding on his efforts, Rajasthan managed to upset the KL Rahul-led side. Needless to mention, fans and experts were impressed by Tyagi’s heroics as social media got flooded with praises.

For Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was also among many to laud the 20-year-old. Highlighting Kartik is still new to the center stage, Pathan said defending four runs in the final over is a daunting task. “Kartik Tyagi is a youngster, he is not an experienced player. He is a young uncapped Indian fast bowler and he comes and bowls like this, it is not easy for anyone to defend four runs,” the 36-year-old said on Star Sports.

Kartik Tyagi’s career should skyrocket from here: Irfan Pathan

While Pathan accepted PBKS batsmen did commit some mistakes in the end overs, he praised Tyagi for bowling in the right areas. He also asserted this spell would definitely boost the youngster’s morale.

“There were good batsmen in front of him, it was not that a No.9, 10 or 11 batsman was batting, pure batsmen were playing. The Punjab Kings did make mistakes but the good areas in which Kartik Tyagi bowled will be a huge confidence booster in this boy’s career,” added Pathan.

“His career should skyrocket from here because when you win the match by bowling like that, you should not be turning and looking behind. From here, you will think only one thing, on how to get even better and when he would get to play for India,” Pathan further said.