Big update on Shikhar Dhawan's injury ahead of PBKS vs GT IPL 2024 clash, Punjab coach says 'he has started...'

PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan (right) and GT captain Shubman Gill in this frame. (Getty)
PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan (right) and GT captain Shubman Gill in this frame. (Getty)

Highlights:

PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin has provided an injury update on Shikhar Dhawan ahead of clash vs GT.

Dhawan suffered a shoulder injury before the match against Rajasthan Royals.

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.

 

ALSO READ: 'Mera bat tod diya tune...' — Virat Kohli grills Rinku Singh ahead of high-octane drama between KKR and RCB, Watch viral video

ALSO READ: Suresh Raina snubs Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant to declare this 24-yr-old star as India's next captain

 

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.


ALSO READ: Mohammad Rizwan breaks Virat Kohli and Babar Azam's record, becomes fastest to 3,000 T20I runs

ALSO READ: 'I have to take 3 pills a day so that I don't feel the pain...': Ishant Sharma reveals he is playing IPL despite injury

 

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.

 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK: 

IPL 2024 Points Table: SRH inch closer to table toppers RR after commanding win over DC, KKR slip to 3rd spot; check updated standings

'Other teams also could not control it': Coach comes to Rishabh Pant's brigade's rescue after SRH batters make mincemeat of DC bowlers

'He’s a silent guy, goes unnoticed a lot...': Bhuvneshwar Kumar on SRH's match-winner after emphatic win over DC

Second-string New Zealand lay down arms against Pakistan's bowling lineup; suffer 7-wicket defeat after getting bowled out for 90

Jake Fraser-McGurk smashes fastest fifty for Delhi Capitals, breaks former South African cricketer’s 8-year-old record