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Punjab Kings (PBKS) head into their clash with the Gujarat Titans (GT) with questions surrounding captain Shikhar Dhawan's fitness. Assistant coach Brad Haddin addressed the media, providing updates on Dhawan's injury and outlining the team's strategy for the upcoming match.
"It's difficult to replace someone like Shikhar. He's one of the most successful openers in the IPL. He has done it for many years and was starting to get his rhythm back before the unfortunate injury to his shoulder," Haddin said in the pre-match press conference.
"We would like him back as soon as we can. He is an experienced head at the top of the order, so we're hoping that he is available for selection soon," he added.
Notably, Dhawan suffered a shoulder injury before the match against the Rajasthan Royals which also saw him missing out the clash against Mumbai Indians as well. Dhawan has missed PBKS' last two matches, however he will be available for selection for their next match against GT. Haddin said that Dhawan has started to progress well.
"He has started to progress well. We have seen some go signs over the last couple of days. We will decide on Sunday morning," he stated.
Notably, Punjab Kings defeated GT in their previous encounter. Few days on they are up against Shubman Gill's men one more time on Sunday, April 21 in what promises to be an exciting IPL clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Looking ahead to the clash, Haddin stressed the importance of converting close calls into victories for the Punjab Kings. Wins would be a major confidence booster for the team.
"We have got to find a way to get a result in this game. The last three games were very close, we had moments when we were out and then got ourselves back in it, and the result could have gone both ways," Haddin asserted.
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While the Punjab Kings haven't been getting the wins they desire, young guns Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh have been shining lights in the batting order with their consistent performances.
"The way they have been performing, we want to give them more time on the pitch. At the same time, we don't want to burden them. They are still new to this craft. They played some extraordinary knocks under pressure," the 46-year-old concluded.
PBKS have so far played seven matches out of which they have won just two with as many points to sit ninth in the IPL 2024's standings. On the other hand, GT are eighth in the points table with just three wins in seven games.
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