Kartik played a fighting knock of 71 off 42 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes after CSK lost early wickets in their seven-wicket defeat to LSG at the Ekana Stadium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo\u2019s TimeOut show, Rayudu said Kartik\u2019s preparation against pace bowling stood out during the innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s been exceptional. He was prepared for a lot of short bowling against a team that has good fast bowlers - that shows his preparation has been spot on,\u201d Rayudu said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rayudu also praised Kartik\u2019s batting against spin and his ability to judge length quickly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHis game against spin, too, has been quite exceptional in reading length. I just think he\u2019s turning into a complete middle-order batter. Especially for conditions at home in India, he is looking very, very good,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former CSK batter said Kartik already has the ability to clear the boundary consistently against both pace and spin.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe can hit sixes against both fast bowlers and spinners. His batsmanship will improve over time with confidence and experience. He will understand better when to take singles and doubles on certain pitches. Once he gets into those details, I feel his strike rate will improve even more,\u201d Rayudu said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rayudu also highlighted Kartik\u2019s quick improvement despite batting lower down the order earlier in the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe can hit sixes against both fast bowlers and spinners. His batsmanship will improve over time with confidence and experience. He will understand better when to take singles and doubles on certain pitches. Once he gets into those details, I feel his strike rate will improve even more,\u201d Rayudu said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier in the match, CSK posted 187\/5 thanks largely to Kartik\u2019s innings and Shivam Dube\u2019s unbeaten 32. But LSG chased the target comfortably after a brilliant 90 from Mitchell Marsh and a 135-run opening partnership with Josh Inglis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n