Shikhar Dhawan told DailyExpertNews he is looking forward to opening battle with Mayank Agarwal for Punjab Kings in IPL 2022. The attacking southpaw was bought for Rs 8.25 crore by Punjab Kings after a triple bidding war with Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals in the mega auction . Dhawan called the Punjab-based franchise its ‘second home’ and said they hope to go all out this year and take their first Indian Premier League title. “I’m really excited to play for Punjab Kings, it’s like a second home for me. I’m a real Punjabi person, it’s in my blood. I’m really looking forward to this season, we have a really good side. I am sure we will do well and we will end on a winning note,” Dhawan told DailyExpertNews on the sidelines of the launch of Shikhar Dhawan Foundation.
The southpaw, who last represented Delhi Capitals in the IPL, said he will offer “support” to Mayank, who will lead an IPL side for the first time in his career.
“Mayank is a great player and I am sure he will be great as captain. I will support him, he is a mature player, he is a senior man. I enjoy his company, we get on well,” said he. added.
Dhawan was in great form in the IPL, scoring over 500 runs in three of the last five editions of the tournament. The 36-year-old paid a lot of credit to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who was the Delhi Capitals coach.
“Coach has a big role, Ricky Ponting supported me, he is a great coach. I will miss him, I have enjoyed playing under him. I had a great time at Delhi Capitals. Everything has its own time. I am matured as a player, I will bring that to the table for Punjab Kings. You have to understand young people, you mature after a little experience,” he said.
The veteran cricketer also had words of encouragement for the young Raj Angad Bawa. Punjab bought Bawa for Rs 2 crore after his brilliant performance for India in the U19 World Cup. The all-rounder was the Player of the Match in India’s win over England in the final.
“Raj Bawa is there and I would like to meet him. I will talk to all the young people. I will share all my knowledge with them”, Dhawan, who wants to have a “deeper impact” on society through his association with 11. According to NGOs.
promoted
“I am starting a foundation in which we will adopt 11 NGOs, work with them and work on different aspects such as child education, malnutrition, animal shelter,” he added.
Punjab Kings open their account against Royal Challengers Bangalore in March at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
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