Cricket News

‘He is still the real Gabbar of Indian cricket’ – Former India all-rounder heaps praise on Shikhar Dhawan as batter continues to shine in IPL

Irfan Pathan said that Dhawan’s form will be crucial not only for the team but also for his confidence.

Apr 6, 2023 4:58 pm

Star India batter, Shikhar Dhawan has been phenomenal against Rajasthan Royals on, Wednesday, as he played a match-winning knock of 86 runs off 56 balls. The left-hand batter hammered Royals bowlers all around the park to help his team to post a match-winning total in 20 overs.

However, his batting performance triggered a debate over his place on the national team. Speaking on the same, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Dhawan has something to prove. Ahead of the iconic clash between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, Pathan said that Dhawan will look to perform and make a point ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The left-hand all-rounder said that Dhawan’s form will be crucial not only for the team but also for his confidence. Speaking with a broadcaster, 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. 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.”

Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by five runs

Fans at the Barsapara Cricket Ground in Guwahati witnessed a thrilling game of the Indian Premier League 2023 as Rajasthan failed to chase 198 and lost the game in the last over. After batting first with Dhawan’s amazing performance, Punjab posted a competitive total of 197-4 in 20 overs. Notably, Dhawan, along with Prabhsimran Singh, added 90 runs for the first wicket to pull the game from the Royals.

However, chasing was not an easy task for the Royals and they were struggling till the 15th over. In the last five overs, Shimron Hetmyer (36) and Dhruv Jurel (32 not out) tried to pull the game with a dangerous 61-run stand. Although, eventually, they failed and Punjab Kings won the game by five runs. Star pacer Nathan Ellis shined in Punjab’s victory as he clinched four wickets.