Virat Kohli has been scoring a lot in T20I by playing only cricketing shots: Dinesh Karthik

New Delhi: As the Indian Premier League's 9th edition is round the corner, Gujarat Lions wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik said that playing innovative shots is not enough to score runs in the shortest format of the game.

"In modern cricket, many batsmen play innovative strokes which I think are not enough to score runs in T20 format," Karthik was quoted as saying by PTI.

Karthik backed his statement by giving the example of dynamic Indian cricketer Virat Kohli.

"T20 format is not all about playing innovative shots, as batsman like Virat Kohli have been scoring lot of runs by playing only cricketing shots.

"In this format, the batsmen should stay calm and execute his shots selection properly to score runs," added the wicket-keeper batsman.

The Lions will play their first match on April 11 against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali in the IPL.

Karthik, who had earlier played for Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils in the past, seems happy with his new Gujarat franchise as he said: "I am very happy and excited with the new team as most of things are new like coach, teammates and ground," he added.

Suresh Raina will lead Gujarat Lions in the coming edition of the cash-rich league, which is scheduled to start from April 8.