IPL 2019: Sanjay Manjrekar Credits Ricky Ponting for Shikhar Dhawan's Transformation

Delhi Capitals (DC) opener Shikhar Dhawan didn’t have a good start to this edition of the Indian Premier League. Dhawan started the tournament with good scores but received criticism for his slow innings. However, he has picked at the right time playing two match-winning knocks for his franchise. Former India cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar credited Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting for Dhawan’s transformation.

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Dhawan leading the charge for Delhi

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are currently in the third in the points table with 12 points from 10 games. They finally ended their losing run in the Feroz Shah Kotla beating Kings XI Punjab by five wickets. Batting first, Punjab managed to post 163 runs despite some good hitting from Chris Gayle early on. Delhi made a strong comeback to give away only 57 runs in the last eight overs to keep the required run-rate in check.

In pursuit, although Delhi lost Prithvi Shaw early a massive partnership from Shreyas Iyer and Shikhar Dhawan took the team almost to the verge of the winning lines. Although Dhawan got out after a well-made 39, Iyer held on from one end to take their side home securing their sixth win of the season. Sanjay Manjrekar, who has been following the game from close quarters, credited Ricky Ponting for making Dhawan a good T20 batsman. So far, Shikhar Dhawan has scored 347 runs from ten games at an average of 38.55 including three fifties.

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“Needed a Ricky Ponting to shake Shikhar out of his comfort zone. Far too many coaches pander to the wishes of star players. Dhawan is a better T20 batsman now thanks to Ricky. #DCvKXIP,” Sanjay Manjrekar tweeted.

Needed a Ricky Ponting to shake Shikhar out of his comfort zone. Far too many coaches pander to the wishes of star players. Dhawan is a better T20 batsman now thanks to Ricky.#DCvKXIP

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 20, 2019

Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan’s return to form will be a massive advantage for the Indian National Cricket team ahead of the ICC World Cup. The southpaw has done well in England and in ICC events and the management will pin their hopes on the experienced batter to play his natural game and help his side bring home the glory.