Happy That Prithvi Shaw's Hard Work Is Paying Off: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan dazzled in Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2021 opener against the Chennai Super Kings as he made a whirlwind 85 to propel his side to a seven-wicket win. Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw laid the foundation as Delhi Capitals were set to chase 189 by the Chennai Super Kings. The southpaw stressed on his partner Shaw’s innings, stating he was outstanding to watch.

Delhi Capitals’ new-ball bowlers gave their side an incredible start by removing Faf Du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad cheaply within the powerplay. But Suresh Raina was in fantastic touch as he added two quick-fire half-century stands with Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu to keep the Super Kings on track for a big score. The yellow army’s momentum got dented when Raina, MS Dhoni, and Ambati Rayudu perished quickly. But Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja propelled them to a stiff total.

But Chennai Super Kings could not back their recovery up with a disciplined bowling and fielding display. Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw played hardly took risks during their 138-run opening stand. Shaw offered a chance to substitute fielder Mitchell Santner when on 38; however, he fluffed it. Prithvi Shaw departed for 72 off 38 deliveries and had killed the game. While the Capitals lost two more wickets towards the end, captain Pant finished the game with a boundary. Shikhar Dhawan departed for 85 off 54 deliveries, laced with ten fours and two maximums.

I really enjoyed my batting and the way I was hitting the ball: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan was happy with the way he and Prithvi Shaw hit the ball and was aware of Chennai Super Kings’ bowling plan of wide of off. The 34-year old revealed that he played close to the body since the ball was stopping and coming. Dhawan admired Prithvi Shaw for working on his game and bouncing back well as he played his shots effortlessly, showing that his hard work paid off.

“I really enjoyed my batting and the way I was hitting the ball. Even Prithvi was hitting it well, bringing the form from Vijay Hazare. I knew the plan – because CSK used the plan (bowling wide of off) last IPL as well. I was playing the ball quite close to my body because the wicket was sticky and the ball was stopping. It was tremendous to watch Prithvi in his flow. He plays those shots effortlessly, he worked hard before this IPL. Happy that his hard work is playing off. I liked the Moeen Ali catch,” Shikhar Dhawan told in the post-match presentation.

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