Not concerned by fast bowlers leaking runs, says KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik

Kolkata, April 13 (CRICKETNMORE): Despite the pacers leaking as many as 109 runs in just 8.5 overs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the previous game, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Dinesh Karthik on Friday said it's not a concern

Asked if U-19 World Cup winning pacers Kamlesh Nagarkoti or Shivam Mavi could get a look in, Karthik chose to keep his cards close to his chest.

Karthik said the team morale is not down due to the heart-wrenching manner in which they lost against CSK by five wickets in a last-ball thriller. Russell had smashed an unbeaten 36-ball 88 to help KKR reach 203 but Chennai rode Shane Watson's 19-ball 42 and Billings' 23-ball 56 to go over the line.

"It's normal. In this format and this tournament, these are normal. You expect close games as all teams are equal and you expect games to go down the wire. It's not surprising for us, didn't come as a shock, they are a very good team. Both played equaly good cricket but CSK just got over the line," he said.

Karthik was asked if KKR is missing serious pace in the death overs.

"Russell is bowling some good pace that's very good sign for us. Curran bowled well considering it was his first game. Mitchell Johnson is there and (Kamlesh) Nagarkoti. So we have pace in the kitty," said Karthik who took over the mantle from Gautam Gambhir this year.

KKR's fielding was also below par in the last game with Robn Uthappa dropping Billings when he was on nine and Curran grassing Suresh Raina, though that did not cost the team much.

"There is very little time to change things too much," quipped Karthik when asked if that is an area they would like to work on.

"We have addressed the issue and this is something all players are aware of. At the end of the day, it's one skill that all the players can contribute. We are wishing for the best in the forthcoming game."