Punjab Kings' Shikhar Dhawan achieved a huge milestone of smashing 1,000 boundaries in T20 cricket as he became the first Indian to do so in an IPL match against Gujarat Titans on Friday (April 8). Not just this but Indian star southpaw also became the fifth batter overall in world cricket to hit as many fours joining the likes of T20 maestro Chris Gayle.
Dhawan, who was picked by Punjab Kings for Rs 8.25 crore, reached this feat while playing his 307th T20 match playing against Gujarat Titans. He smashed four boundaries in his decent knock of 35 off 30 balls but later was removed by Rashid Khan when the scoreboard read 86/3.
Before the match Dhawan needed just three more boundaries to achieve the feat.
Most fours by Indians in T20s
1000*: Shikhar Dhawan
917: Virat Kohli
875: Rohit Sharma
779: Suresh Raina
Players with most fours in T20s (overall)
Chris Gayle -1132
Alex Hales-1054
David Warner- 1005
Aaron Finch - 1004
Shikhar Dhawan- 1001*
Dhawan has scored more than 8850 runs in T20 cricket in a career that has spanned over 15 overs. The 36-year-old made his debut for Delhi in the shortest format of the game in 2007 before making his India debut in T20Is in 2011.
Earlier, Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bowl at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. The new entrants, who have won both their games so far, made two changes with Sai Sudarshan and Darshan Nalkhande coming in for Vijay Shankar and Varun Aaron.
"Going to bowl first because I think dew might be a factor later. We had a couple of good games where things went on our side. Lot of courage shown by the boys. Two forced changes. Vijay misses out, Varun as well. Two debutants - Sai Sudarshan and Darshan," said Hardik.
Jonny Bairstow made his debut for Punjab Kings as he was brought in for Bhanuka Rajapaksa. "Would've liked to bowl first as well but it is what it is. Did well last game batting first. Guys are taking a lot of responsibility. Have a lot of leaders in our side, makes my job easier," said Punjab skipper Mayank Agarwal.
