IPL 2021: “Always open to changes” – Shikhar Dhawan speaks on the improvement in his batting approach

IPL 2021: “Always open to changes” – Shikhar Dhawan speaks on the improvement in his batting approach

Shikhar Dhawan

Delhi Capitals (DC) blazed to victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the third match of their campaign thanks to a stupendous knock from opener Shikhar Dhawan. DC had earlier come under pressure after putting PBKS in to bat following a superb knock from Mayank Agarwal. Some good efforts from KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda and Shahrukh Khan then took PBKS to a competitive total of 195.

In the chase however, DC had it easy as Shikhar Dhawan was on song, hitting the PBKS bowlers for boundaries at will and toying with them. Although he did not get to his hundred, getting bowled by Jhye Richardson for 92, he had done the damage by then and the rest of the DC batters saw their side home.

Shikhar Dhawan on his approach

Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan was awarded the Man of the Match for his efforts and the southpaw spoke about his batting approach saying, “It was a conscious effort from my side. I knew I have to improve on that (strike rate). Started taking more risks. Not afraid of changes, always open towards it. Not scared of getting out as well. My slog shot has improved a lot. It was there earlier as well, but now I play it more freely. I’m more relaxed, having played for so many years. Don’t take things for granted.”

Winning captain Rishabh Pant meanwhile, said, “Coming from a loss, winning the next match was important. Have already started enjoying captaincy. But we were under pressure at the start, the wicket was not doing much. Bowlers did a good job keeping them to 190. He (Dhawan) has a lot of experience. You can to talk to him about anything, how we can set the field. End of the day, what he’s giving to the team is commendable. I like to keep the environment light so people can be themselves and enjoy their cricket.”

DC’s next match will be against Mumbai Indians (MI) on the 20th of April.

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