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Under head coach Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have as many as five Australian players in their squad. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, PBKS roped in Ben Dwarshuis who had been the part of the squad earlier as well but did not make his debut. While Dwarshuis is yet to get a game, he is already eyeing one of the most prized wickets in the league, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Virat Kohli.
"There are probably six or seven Indian players I could rattle off," he said, "but it's tough to go past taking Virat Kohli's wicket, whether it's at home or down in Bangalore. He would certainly be one I'd be happy to take," Dwarshuis said as quoted by cricket.com.au.
Dwarshuis was roped in by PBKS for Rs 4.4 crore after a three-way bidding war with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT). While he remained wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Zimbabwe and then didn’t get a chance, Kohli marked his return to T20 cricket with an unbeaten half-century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
PBKS are scheduled to face RCB only once in the IPL 2026 league stage. Dwarshuis may have to wait for his chance to bowl to Kohli even if he gets a place in the playing XII. PBKS and RCB will lock horns on May 17 Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala in a day game.
Dwarshuis on ups and downs of IPL
Meanwhile, the Big Bash League (BBL) history's second-highest wicket-taker is looking for an opportunity to prove his worth.
"Any time you take the field and have an opportunity to perform, there's always going to be eyes watching, whether it's from Australia or other leagues," he said.
"With the viewership these competitions get, it's very easy to have a couple of good years and everyone's talking about you.
"But then if you're not performing well, that sort of viewership leads to maybe less opportunities there."
Dwarshuis’ got tough competition
Like the national side, he is fighting for a spot with Xavier Bartlett. Other pace-bowling options in the lineup are Lockie Ferguson and Azmatullah Omarzai. Also, Mitchell Owen can contribute with the ball too. Currently, PBKS have gone with Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen and Bartlett.
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