The Indian Premier League experience can be daunting not just for young cricketers, but even for the senior campaigners. Veteran Shikhar Dhawan conceded he was nervous before he made his return to IPL 2024 for Punjab Kings’ opening match against Delhi Capitals at the newly-built stadium in Mullanpur on Saturday, March 23. Dhawan did not let his nerves affect the proceedings as he hit 22 off 16 and marshalled his troops well as Punjab clinched a 4-wicket win against Delhi to begin their campaign on a high.
Shikhar Dhawan returned to competitive cricket for the first time since last year’s IPL. Dhawan did not feature in the domestic tournaments and has not played for India since December 2022. However, the left-handed opener did not look rusty, hitting 4 boundaries to help Punjab Kings off to a strong start in what proved to be a successful chase of 175. IPL 2024, DC vs PBKS Highlights | Scorecard |
Having played their home games at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali in the past, the change of venue worked in favour of the Punjab Kings as they began the campaign on a winning note.
“Feels great, happy to be on the ground. I’ve been preparing for this tournament, this is the first time I’m playing at this high a level since the last IPL. I was a bit nervous as well but yeah, came through,” Shikhar Dhawan said after Punjab Kings had a happy house-warming in Mullanpur.
‘LET DELHI USE THEIR BRAINS’
Punjab Kings rode on Sam Curran’s 47-ball 63 and Liam Livingstone’s unbeaten 38 to go past the finish line and deny Rishabh Pant a win on his return to competitive cricket for the first time in 15 months.
While heaping praise on Curran and Livingstone, Dhawan came up with a cheeky assessment of his decision to win the toss and opt to bowl in the new stadium.
“I didn’t know the records here, it’s a new ground. So didn’t focus on it too much, we practised during day and at night. So, I thought we would let the other team use their brains first and then we’ll assess it. It worked for us, so we’re happy and content,” Dhawan said.
Dhawan flaunted his experience as captain, saying he did not have a word with Harshal Patel, playing down the 25-run final over that allowed Delhi Capitals to post a competitive total after a sensational cameo from Abishek Porel.
“No chat in the innings break after the 25-run over because I was preparing to bat. Also, bowlers will be going through their own emotions. So I would rather give them space and chat after things calm down. I felt we leaked a few extra runs, of course extra nerves are there in the first match. It’s normal,” he added.
Punjab Kings will travel to Bengaluru high on confidence. for their second game of the season against RCB on Monday, March 25.
