KKR vs PBKS: "We Don’t Have A Good Off-Spinner," Shikhar Dhawan After PBKS' 5-Wicket Loss To KKR In Kolkata

Published - 09 May 2023, 02:24 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Shikhar Dhawan [PC: BCCI]

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shikhar Dhawan opened up about the loss his side suffered in the 53rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He said that they lack an off-spinner which is the reason they are going for runs in the middle over.

Punjab Kings suffered a disappointing 5-wicket loss against Kolkata Knight Riders. The Shikhar Dhawan-led side had a decent outing with the bat but they yet again failed to deliver goods with the ball, which was the main reason behind their loss.

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Batting first, after winning the toss, on account of Shikhar Dhawan’s half-century along with cameos from Rishi Dhawan (19), Shahrukh Khan (21*), and Harpreet Brar (17*) PBKS posted a total of 179 runs on the board. They then leaked runs at the crucial junctures, which saw them lose the game.

Also Read: KKR vs PBKS: “I Was Angry That We….” – Nitish Rana Slams Teammates Despite Win Over PBKS In IPL 2023

Rahul Chahar (2/23) and Harpreet Brar (1/4) kept things tight but the other bowlers leaked a lot of runs as KKR completed a 5-wicket win to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs. But what was the main highlight of the innings was Arshdeep Singh’s last over. With 6 runs needed to win in the last over, the pacer took the game to the last ball and almost won the game for his side.

Shikhar Dhawan praised Arshdeep Singh despite the loss to KKR. He said that the way he took the game to the last ball was a great effort from his end and also said that it wasn’t an easy track to bat on. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he said:

“Feels bad, of course not feeling great. Not an easy track to bat on, in the end, they played well. It was a great effort from Arshdeep, the way he has bounced back from the last game. All credit to him that he took the game to the last ball.”

Also Read: KKR vs PBKS Match Report: Kolkata Knight Riders Stay In Hunt For Playoffs Spot With Thrilling Win Over Punjab Kings

KKR vs PBKS: “I feel we don’t have a good off-spinner,” says Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan further went on to say that they don’t have an off-spinner to tackle the left-hander’s threat in the middle over that is why they are leaking a lot of runs in the middle over. He elaborated:

“I feel we don’t have a good off-spinner, that is where we are leaking a bit of runs when left-handers come in. This wicket was offering turn as well, that is where we took the hit.”

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have 10 points from 11 games and are seventh on the points table. With a loss today, they have made things difficult for them. They will be next seen in action when they will take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next game on Saturday (13th May).

Also Read: Updated IPL 2023 Points Table, Orange Cap, And Purple Cap After KKR vs PBKS