IPL 2023: "Three Years Ago I Realized I Had To Improve My Strike Rate": Shikhar Dhawan Recalls His IPL Success

Shikhar Dhawan, the primary batsman for Punjab Kings, said he made a deliberate effort to raise his strike rate in order to maintain his position in the team. The seasoned cricketer acknowledged Ricky Ponting for instilling confidence in him while he was playing for the Delhi Capitals.

Dhawan finished the 2020 IPL season as the second-highest run-scorer while playing for the Delhi Capitals under head coach Ricky Ponting. With four fifties and two tons, the southpaw scored 618 runs in 17 games at a 44.14 average.

Shikhar Dhawan told ESPN Cricinfo that he decided to play an anchor position in the IPL 2022 because of the lineup’s abundance of powerful batsmen for the Punjab Kings. He believes he can, however, raise it if necessary.

“I realized I needed to improve my strike rate. Even though my strike rate dropped a little last year, I still had to serve as an anchor for Punjab Kings because the majority of our key batsmen were aggressive. I realized I needed to raise my strike rate three years ago.”

“I didn’t hesitate to take that risk. I also had a lot of fun playing with Ricky Ponting when I was with the Capitals. He had a lot of faith in me, and he loved even innings where I scored 15-20 runs while striking out a bunch. Ponting produced an excellent environment.”

“I was only captain for half a season for Sunrisers”: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan believes the Indian squad gives continuity because they have played with one another so frequently when questioned about the differences between coaching an IPL team and an Indian team. He adds that he aims to provide the Punjab Kings with an equivalent measure of consolation.

“I was just captain of the Sunrisers for half a season. The difference now is that it’s a fresh start. I’ve been skipper of the Indian team for three or four series, so there’s a sense of fraternity now.”

“Everyone understands how things work and what to do, so there is a sense of security. I want to do the same at Punjab Kings so that we may reach that level of comfort as soon as possible” Shikhar Dhawan remarked.

Dhawan also took over as Punjab Kings skipper for IPL 2023 after Mayank Agarwal failed with the bat the previous season.

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