Follow UsLeft-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan is excited to play for Punjab Kings in the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League and is also looking forward to playing under Mayank Agarwal. Punjab, who are yet to get their hands on the IPL trophy, acquired Dhawan for INR 8.25 crore in the mega-auction.
"I am very excited to play for Punjab Kings, it is like a second home for me. I am a proper Punjabi person, it is in my blood. I am really looking forward to this season, we have a very good side. I am sure we will do good and we will end up on a winning note," Dhawan told NDTV on the sidelines of the launch of Shikhar Dhawan Foundation.
"Mayank is a great player and I am sure he will be great as a captain. I will provide support to him, he is a mature player, he is a senior guy. I enjoy his company, we will get along well."
The former Delhi Capitals opener has been a consistent performer in this tournament. In the last three seasons, the 36-year-old has amassed 1726 runs at an impressive average of 39.23 and a strike rate of 134.6. Dhawan said it was Delhi head coach Ricky Ponting who helped him improve his game and will surely miss working with the former Australian captain.
“Coach has a big role, Ricky Ponting backed me, he is a great coach. I will miss him, I enjoyed playing under him. I had a great time with Delhi Capitals. Everything has its own time. I have matured as a player, I will bring that to the table for Punjab Kings. You have to understand youngsters, you become mature after a little experience.”
Punjab also managed to buy Raj Bawa who impressed everyone with his all-round skills in the last edition of the Under-19 World Cup and played a key role in India lifting their fifth title. "Raj Bawa is there and I would like to meet him. I will talk to all the youngsters. I will share all my knowledge with them," said Dhawan.
The left-hander is still a regular member of India’s ODI set-up but hasn’t played a T20I since July 2021, with the likes of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad being preferred over him. However, Dhawan is not thinking too much about the selection and just wants to keep performing for his franchise
"I am practising hard, and focusing on my work and not thinking too much this time if I get a call back from Team India I would love to join but if it doesn't happen then I am happy and without any tension," he told ANI.
Punjab will open their IPL 2022 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai on March 27.