Shikhar Dhawan hit a match-winning 92 off 49 balls against Punjab Kings on Sunday (April 18), and the lefthander said he made a deliberate attempt to increase his strike rate during the innings.
Shikhar Dhawan batted with a strike rate of 187.86 to set up Delhi Capitals’ six-wicket win over Punjab Kings.
Dhawan, who shattered back-to-back hundreds in the IPL last season, is no longer a lock for a place in India’s T20 playing XI and is vying with Rohit Sharma for an opening spot in the World Cup later this year.
“I made a concerted effort on my part. I figured I needed to work on that (strike-rate). I began to take more chances. Change does not frighten me; I am still open to it. “I’m not afraid of being out either,” said Dhawan.
Rishabh Pant, captain of the Delhi Capitals, said that he has begun to enjoy his position. “After a defeat, winning the next match was critical. I’ve already begun to love captaincy. But we were under pressure at the outset, and the wicket wasn’t helping.
“The bowlers did a decent job by limiting them to 195. He (Dhawan) has a great deal of experience. You are free to speak with him about everything, including how we can set up the sector. “At the end of the day, what he’s doing with the team is admirable,” Pant said.
Punjab captain KL Rahul, who turned 29 on Sunday, said the team put up a good total but that defending at Wankhede is always difficult. “Right now, it seems to be 10-15 runs short, but I thought 190-odd looked fine. On this wicket, Mayank and I felt 180-190 would have been ideal. Shikhar batted well, so they should be congratulated.
“Bowling second is still a test when we come to Wankhede. We are preparing for those circumstances. It is impossible to compete against these high-caliber hitters. “I’m not saying it because I’m on the wrong end,” he said.
“Bowlers attempt to ball with wet balls, but it’s still tough. “I asked the umpires a couple of times to change the ball (because it was wet), but the rule book does not really allow it,” Rahul said.
