IPL 2024: Shikhar Dhawan Praises Unnamed Player for Key Role in Punjab Kings’ Victory against Gujarat Titans

Shikhar Dhawan rejoiced after Punjab Kings’ stunning win over Gujarat Titans in the recently concluded 18th match of the Indian Premier League 2024. The Punjab-based outfit returned to winning ways by defeating the Titans by three wickets in a thrilling encounter. Captain Shubman Gill’s unbeaten knock of 89 after Shikhar Dhawan won the toss and elected to field first helped GT post a competitive total of 199/4 in the allotted 20 overs.

In reply, PBKS got off to a disastrous start with skipper Shikhar Dhawan dismissed for just 1 run. The likes of Jonny Bairstow (22) and Prabhasimran Singh (35) started but couldn’t put PBKS in a strong batting position. At one stage, PBKS were 111 for 5 in the 13th over and their chances of winning the game were in tatters. However, Shashan Singh scored a blistering fifty to send his team home with one ball to spare. He scored a 25-ball fifty and remained unbeaten on 29-ball 61 to help PBKS win their second game of IPL 2024. Ashutosh Sharma also played an important cameo of 31 off just 17 balls after coming in as an impact player.

It was amazing: Shikhar Dhawan
Speaking after the game, Shikhar Dhawan called the win fantastic as he praised the efforts of his teammates. The veteran opener heaped praise on Shashank, saying his teammate hit an effortless six during his match-winning knock. Dhawan also spoke some words in praise of Ashutosh. “It was a fantastic game, very close, I’m glad the boys worked. The plan was to give a good start but I got out unfortunately but we were around 60 at the end of the powerplay, we kept building. The partnership and Shashank came and really Well played,” said Shikhar Dhawan.

“The way Shashank came in and hit that six, it was brilliant, the way he hit the ball, it looked effortless. He started at No. 7 and is now showing his positive mindset. He is playing in the IPL after a long time. And he played very well. I will also mention about Ashutosh, he came under pressure and played a good innings,” he added.