India’s destructive opening batter, Shikhar Dhawan has marked his return to the cricket pitch ahead of the upcoming IPL 2024 edition. The southpaw is no longer a regular member of the Indian team but continues to be a lethal force in the Indian Premier League.
After making great returns with the bat in the 2022 edition of the IPL, where he amassed 460 runs in 14 matches at 38.33, Dhawan was entrusted with the leadership role in the following season.
However, the team couldn’t do too well, managing only 6 wins in 14 matches. They finished at number eight on the points table, only ahead of SRH and Delhi Capitals.
Dhawan didn’t play all the games for the franchise due to an injury. In 11 games, he managed to score 373 runs at a healthy average of 41.44. The other batters, though, couldn’t chip in with consistent performances.
Despite an overwhelming season, PBKS have kept their faith in the veteran opener to lead the side in the upcoming season. Ahead of a challenging tournament, Dhawan has started his preparations and his recent video is proof of that.
The 38-year-old cricketer posted a video of him hitting the nets on his social media account. He wrote the caption as follows:
“Returning to the cricket pitch, where each shot feels like a reunion with an old friend.”
Ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League auction, Punjab Kings have retained the core, while releasing a few players namely, Raj Angad Bawa, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mohit Rathee, Shahrukh Khan and Baltej Dhanda.
They have 8 available slots, including three overseas players and have a salary cap of INR 29.1 crore.
Players retained by PBKS for IPL 2024
Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Matthew Short, Atharva Taide, Harpreet Bhatia, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Liam Livingstone, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Shivam Singh, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Vidwath Kaverappa, Kagiso Rabada and Nathan Ellis.
Player released by PBKS: Raj Angad Bawa, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mohit Rathee, Shahrukh Khan and Baltej Dhanda.
Shikhar Dhawan is, currently, the second-highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League with 6617 runs to his name in 217 matches at an average of 35,38 and a strike rate of 127.11. Virat Kohli holds the numero uno position with 7263 runs.
Read More: Smriti Mandhana- The RCB Skipper To Watch Out In WPL 2024
