Love Batting With Shaw, We Made A Huge Impact And That Was Great For Our Team: Shikhar Dhawan

Delhi Capitalis’ opener Shikhar Dhawan was unfortunate to miss out on a well-deserved hundred; however, he shaped his team’s win against Punjab Kings on Sunday. Shikhar Dhawan struck a pristine 49-ball 92 and batted almost throughout the innings as the Capitals had to chase 196 for victory. The southpaw said that he loves batting with Prithvi Shaw as it made an impact on the Capitals’ victory.

Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul threaded a 122-run opening partnership and dominated the Delhi Capitals’ bowlers for the most part. But the Capitals pulled back well enough as they did not let KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, and Nicholas Pooran blast after Mayank’s 36-ball 69. It was the big hits from Deepak Hooda and Shahrukh Khan towards the end that took them to 195, which looked unlikely two overs earlier.

Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan built a 59-run stand before the former perished for a 17-ball 32. While Steve Smith looked rusty on his Delhi Capitals’ debut, Dhawan played his shots freely and kept in track with the required rate. Rishabh Pant found it equally hard to time the ball, but Marcus Stonis’ lusty blows took Delhi closer to victory. He finished it off with a boundary to deliver the Capitals’ second win.

I’m always open towards changes and I make sure I give it a good try in the nets: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, who slammed 13 fours and two sixes in his knock, stated that he makes a conscious effort to increase his strike rate and refines all the changes in the nets sessions. Dhawan admitted that he is not afraid to get out and has worked on his shots, along with making plans for every bowler as to how much to attack them. The 34-year old revealed feeling relaxed and focussed simultaneously and relishes batting with Prithvi Shaw as their partnership has been a major positive for them.

“It was a conscious effort from my side (to increase SR) and I started taking more risks. I’m not afraid of changes. I’m always open towards changes and I make sure I give it a good try in the nets and then in the games. I’m not scared of getting out as well. I’ve worked on the leg-side shots, coming in the crease, using the pace of the bowler. Depends who’s bowling and what plans I make for them. My slog shot has improved. It was there before as well, but now it’s [more frequent]. I’m very relaxed these days. If I’m not relaxed at this time, then when?! I’m relaxed but also attentive. Love batting with Shaw, we made a huge impact and that was great for our team,” Dhawan told in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: Watch: Rishabh Pant Departs As Deepak Hooda Juggles The Ball Multiple Times Before Clinging On