Watch- Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant’s bond on Display at DPL 2024 opener

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant took center stage as the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) kicked off at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, August 17. The star-studded event reflected the close bond among the Delhi cricketers.

Dhawan, known for his aggressive batting and infectious smile, embraced a new role at the DPL 2024 opener. The veteran Indian cricketer stepped into the shoes of a co-owner for the South Delhi Superstars in the DPL.

While Dhawan was busy in his new role off the field, he didn’t forget to show his support for his fellow Delhi cricketer Pant, who is Purani Dilli 6 captain in the DPL 2024 opener.

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant steal the show at DPL 2024 opener with emotional gesture

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter played a crucial knock of 35 off 32 balls, including four boundaries and a six, helping Purani Dilli 6 to post a formidable total of 197/3 in their allotted 20 overs against the South Delhi Superstars in the tournament opener at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Arpit Rana, another standout performer with the bat for Purani Dilli 6, anchored the innings with a half-century to help his team put up a competitive score on the board against South Delhi. Shubham Dubey took two wickets for the South Delhi Superstars in the match.

Chasing the target, South Delhi reached 198/7 in 19.1 overs, thanks to the stunning half-centuries from Priyansh Arya (57) and Ayush Badoni (57). Prince Yadav took four wickets for Purani Dilli. Although it was the day for Dhawan’s South Delhi, winning the first game of the DPL.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the evening came when Pant was dismissed and made his way back to the dugout.

At that moment, Shikhar, who was in the middle of an interview with the broadcasters on the sidelines, paused the conversation and warmly hugged Pant.

Here's the viral image of Dhawan hugging Pant:

Rishabh Pant hugged Shikhar Dhawan after getting dismissed in the Delhi Premier League. 🫂❤️#RishabhPant #ShikharDhawan #DelhiPremierLeagueT20 #DPLT20 pic.twitter.com/0lcDlNpbgT

— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) August 17, 2024

The gesture highlighted the camaraderie shared between the two, having played together for the Indian cricket team, the Delhi state side, and the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Dhawan’s involvement in the DPL as a co-owner and his on-field gesture towards Pant added an emotional touch to the proceedings, highlighting the strong bonds among the Delhi cricketers.

Now, the pictures of Dhawan hugging Pant during the DPL 2024 are all over the internet, with the fans praising the heartfelt reunion of the star cricketers.

DPL 2024 kicks off with a star-studded opening ceremony

Notably, the opening ceremony of the DPL 2024 was a grand affair, featuring performances by popular faces from the entertainment industry, including Sonam Bajwa, Badshah, and Sid K, who thrilled the Delhi crowd before the cricketing action began with the clash between South Delhi and Purani Dilli at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) also took the opportunity to honor Delhi cricket stars, including Pant, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Ishant Sharma, recognizing their contributions to the game and state cricket. Ishant is also participating in the DPL 2024 as a marquee player.