Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are looking comparatively good this season with the inclusion of Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh. While the side is placed seventh in the IPL 2024 standings, they will next take on the reigning champions in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in what is a reverse fixture in IPL 2024.
Although the side is being led by England all-rounder Sam Curran in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, they will look to continue their winning streak in the tournament to keep their playoffs hope alive. As they travel to Dharamsala, their second home, in a big new, they will continue to miss Dhawan in their ranks.
PBKS Bowling Coach, Sunil Joshi on the eve of the match gave a big update on Shikhar Dhawan’s return to the side. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Joshi said, “Shikhar, he’s under rehab. For this game, he isn’t available and is being monitored closely.”
Although he also gave a positive update in regard to Dhawan’s progress and added, “Hopefully, he should be back for the last two games.” The 38-year-old last played in IPL 2024 in PBKS’ fifth fixture against SunRisers Hyderabad on April 9 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Since then, a shoulder injury forced him to sit out.
He has done well as a leader: Sunil Joshi on Sam Curran
The PBKS Bowling Coach also heaped praise of stand-in skipper Sam Curran. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Joshi said, “It happened last year as well. Shikhar was in form in the first five games and then again he got injured and then again Sam came in as a replacement. In fact, I should not be saying that it has been repeated the same way. We didn’t want it to happen. Nevertheless, I think he has done well as a leader and he has stepped up as a leader too with the team.”
