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India made a sensational show in the fourth T20I as they crushed South Africa by 82 runs to force a series decider on Friday, courtesy to Dinesh Karthik's splendid show with the bat.
Meanwhile, India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has expressed his admiration for Karthik, saying his resurrection from obscurity is an inspiration for many in and outside the team.
The veteran wicketkeeper smashed his maiden T20I fifty to help the hosts clinch the match.
During a chat with Karthik, the video of which has been uploaded by the BCCI on its website, Hardik recalled his past conversations with the seasoned campaigner, who is going through a dream run with the bat.
"I need to tell you this, genuinely I want to tell you this, you have given a lot of inspiration to many guys in their life.
"I remember the conversation you were having when you were not in the scheme of things, a lot of people counted you out," Hardik told Karthik during the chat.
India were struggling at 81/4 in the 13th over when stand-in skipper Pant was dismissed for 17. It brought Karthik and Hardik together and the pair revived the Indian innings with a brisk partnership of 65 runs.
"I remember those conversations. You told me then that my goal is to play for India again and the goal is to play this World Cup, I am going to give it my everything, and seeing you achieve that is very inspirational.
"A lot of people are going to learn new things. Well done my brother, very proud of you," Hardik added.
Karthik smashed nine fours and two sixes in his entertaining 55-run knock, Hardik made 46 off 31 balls to prop up the India innings.
The series decider will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.
DK hits in unorthodox areas and that makes it difficult to bowl to: Keshav Maharaj
India batter Dinesh Karthik looks for runs in unorthodox areas and that is what makes him difficult to bowl to, feels seasoned South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj.
The 37-year-old batter has made yet another India comeback with a stellar showing in the IPL.
A designated finisher in the Indian team, Karthik has not relied on power hitting to be effective. He has played the field brilliantly to get the desired results.
On Friday, he swept the spinners and pacers with equal disdain besides pulling off audacious reverse hits.
"He (Karthik) has been in serious form in the role he is fulfilling. He is certainly one of the best finishers in the game. He scores in unorthodox areas which makes him difficult to bowl to.
"We saw why he was one of the leading performers in the IPL. He showed his class today and played exceptionally well," said Maharaj after the game.
"We had a bit of momentum in the first two and India got in the next two. It makes that much more exciting to go to Bangalore, the crowds have been amazing so far, it will add to the excitement.
"Also it is a good test for our cricket team to see how far we have come to play in events like these and try and clinch the series against a strong Indian outfit." He also praised India pacer Avesh Khan who took four wickets for 18 runs.
"Avesh adapted really well and kept it really simple and got the reward for consistent and controlled bowling," Maharaj added.
