Shikhar Dhawan will be leading the Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL 2024 and he is optimistic about his performance in the IPL this year. He has not been a part of the Indian team for a long time, last playing an international game in December 2022 against Bangladesh. Shikhar Dhawan was bought for 8.25 crores by the Punjab Kings in the IPL auction and the left-handed batter has been leading the side since then and has been their top performer with the bat.
Shikhar Dhawan scored 460 runs in the 2022 edition of the IPL whereas he amassed 373 runs in the 2023 edition. Punjab Kings have not qualified for the playoffs since IPL 2014 when they finished as the runners-up. They are one of the three teams playing from the first season who have not won an IPL title. Shikhar Dhawan is hoping to lead the Mohali-based franchise to their maiden IPL title.
Shikhar Dhawan talked about the preparations for the IPL and said that he is focusing on his fitness and is optimistic about performing well this season. He said that his focus is to help Punjab Kings win their first IPL trophy and with the kind of team they have, the Mohali-based franchise can surprise a lot of teams this season.
“The preparations for the IPL are going well. Now I am focussing on my fitness, skill and visualisation as well. I see myself performing well out there this season. The focus is to help Punjab Kings get the trophy and follow a strong process and preparation along the way. And to enjoy the journey,” said Shikhar Dhawan on News 18.
Shikhar Dhawan Also Talks About His Role As The Leader Of The Team
Shikhar Dhawan has been a wonderful leader and has also led the national side on many occasions. He talked about his role as a leader and said that his main role is to maintain an amazing environment where players are happy being themselves and performing at their best. Under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab Kings finished eighth on the points table during IPL 2023 whereas in 2022 they finished sixth. However, in 2022 Mayank Agarwal was the captain of Punjab Kings.
“The focus is to make sure that I go from point A to point B with just as much enjoyment. Also to create an amazing environment where all the boys are very happy being themselves and performing their best by making a nurturing environment. As a leader that will be my role,” added Shikhar Dhawan.
Before joining Punjab Kings in 2022, Dhawan represented Delhi Capitals for three seasons where he excelled as a batter and scored ample runs. He has been a great opener and is an asset for any team he plays for in the IPL. Shikhar Dhawan has won one IPL as a player which came in 2016 when he was a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad. He now expects to win a title with Punjab Kings, a team which has not qualified for the playoffs since the last 10 years.
