Shikhar Dhawan played a captain's knock for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Dhawan played his shots as no Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowler could trouble him once set. But Dhawan's clean hitting ended up injuring his teammate Bhanuka Rajapaksa who scored a half-century in PBKS' opening game.
The incident took place in the 11th over of PBKS' innings. Ravichandran Ashwin bowled one full and Dhawan slapped it back. Rajapaksa at non-striker's end did not have much time to get out of the way and the ball hit him on the right arm.
Rajapaksa needed immediate medical attention as Royals physios rushed to the field. The spray was applied followed by the bandage. The Sri Lankan batter was in agonising pain and could not continue to bat.
Rajapaksa went off the field and Jitesh Sharma came to bat at no.4. The 31-year-old got retired hurt and did not take further part in the game. If Rajapaksa does not recover in time for the next match, it will be a big blow for PBKS. Meanwhile, Liam Livingstone is yet to join the PBKS squad as he is waiting for medical clearance from England Cricket Board (ECB).
Dhawan made up for Rajapaksa as he switched gears. He got to his half-century from 36 deliveries. Sharma played a crucial cameo of 27 runs from 16 deliveries in the 68-run partnership with the opener. Dhawan stayed unbeaten for 86 off 56 deliveries including nine fours and three sixes to help Kings post 197/4 on the board.
Dhawan negated Yuzvendra Chahal threat hitting him for 33 runs from just 13 balls. Chahal was in good form coming into the match as he took a four-fer against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Royals’ campaign opener.
Earlier in the innings, Prabhsimran Singh came out all guns blazing. He smashed seven fours and three sixes in his 34-ball 60. He got out in the 10th over to Jason Holder.
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