Former India all-rounder, Irfan Pathan reckons Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shikhar Dhawan has a point to prove in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhawan scored a match-winning knock against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in PBKS’ second IPL 2023 encounter on Wednesday, April 5, in Guwahati.
Ahead of the clash, Irfan Pathan said that Dhawan’s form will be critical not just for the squad but also for the player himself. He also stated that Dhawan is a veteran cricketer who has been consistent in the IPL. He added that being in and out of the Indian team must have troubled him, and that’s why he wants to show that he is still the real Gabbar of Indian cricket.
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During a chat on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan said, “Shikhar Dhawan is a senior player in IPL and has been very consistent with the bat too. He’s a very powerful player who possesses a very strong mind. He has to prove himself as a captain this year, and for that, his batting is essential.”
He further added, “Being in and out of the Indian team must have bothered him, and that’s why he would like to prove that he is still the real Gabbar of Indian cricket.”
After being asked to bat first, Dhawan put on a 90-run opening stand with Prabhsimran Singh to set a target of 198 runs for RR. Dhawan struck an unbeaten 86 from 56 balls. His knock was studded with nine boundaries and three sixes. Prabhsimran, on the other hand, scored 60 from 34 balls, including seven fours and three sixes.
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Nathan Ellis claimed a four-wicket haul and restricted Sanju Samson and his men to 192/7. Shimron Hetmyer (36) and impact player Dhruv Jurel (32*) made a brilliant partnership in 61 balls for RR from a 124/6 position and pushed them for a win. In the final over, RR needed 16, but Sam Curran’s approach sealed the deal for Punjab.
PBKS will now be locking horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 9 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad. RR, on the other hand, will take on Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 8 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
