IPL 2023: Shikhar Dhawan carried out impactful place in opposition to Rajasthan Royals, says Suresh Raina

RR vs PBKS: Former India cricketer Suresh Raina heaped reward on Shikhar Dhawan, saying he carried out an impactful place for PBKS. Dhawan hit 86* off 56.

UPDATED: Apr 6, 2023 13:29 IST

Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 5 runs. (Photo: BCCI/PTI)

By India Today Sports Desk: IPL legend Suresh Raina heaped reward on Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan, saying he carried out an impactful place and batted responsibly in opposition to Rajasthan Royals.

Dhawan’s unbeaten knock of 86 off 56 balls lifted Punjab Kings to 197/4 after Prabhsimran Singh fired 60 off merely 34 balls. In reply, Rajasthan Royals misplaced early wickets and fell fast by 5 runs no matter Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer’s threatening 61-run partnership.

Raina acknowledged that Punjab Kings pulled off the match as a consequence of Dhawan’s effectivity.

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“He was performing the anchor’s role. Much is made about his strike rate but today he played an impactful role. Look at the fact that he’s made 450+ runs in 7 consecutive IPL seasons,” Raina said on JioCinema.

“He knew that when the dew falls, the pace becomes easier. He batted responsibly and that’s why Punjab pulled off the performance they did. Shikhar had an important role to play in that.”

Dhawan and Prabhsimran’s knocks have been complimented by a powerful spell from pacer Nathan Ellis, who returned with the figures of 4/30. Ellis’ wickets included Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Devdutt Padikkal, and Riyan Parag.

Former India cricketer RP Singh added that Ellis had an infinite place in Punjab Kings’ win.

“His contribution was massive. If you look at the wickets he took, he took out two of the most important batters. Jos Buttler, if he stayed in the game, he could’ve finished the game earlier,” RP said on JioCinema.

“Then, Sanju Samson, who he trapped. It’s another thing when a partnership is building without boundaries, so he tried a different shot and got out as a result. Bowling was challenging here with all the dew for any fast bowler.”

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Published On:

Apr 6, 2023