Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Shikhar Dhawan on Wednesday (16th March) said that he will provide all his support to skipper Mayank Agarwal and they are hoping to go all the way and lift their maiden title this year.
Indian Premier League (IPL 2022) is just a few days away from now. The tournament will begin on March 26 with the summit clash to be played on May 29. IPL 2022 will be played across four venues in Maharashtra state.
The tournament will also see two new teams in Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). All the 10 teams have been divided into two "virtual" groups of five each. The franchises have begun their preparations as support staff along with players have joined the camp and are putting hard yards in their net sessions.
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Coming to Punjab Kings, they picked one of the most balanced sides at the IPL 2022 auction. The Punjab-based franchise acquired the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Rahul Chahar. They recently also announced Mayank Agarwal as their skipper.
Speaking to NDTV, Shikhar Dhawan, who was acquired by the franchise for INR 8.25 crores, expressed his excitement in playing for his second home Punjab Kings. He was optimistic about his team having a good season.
"I am very excited to play for Punjab Kings, it is like a second home for me. I am a proper Punjabi person, it is in my blood. I am really looking forward to this season, we have a very good side. I am sure we will do good and we will end up on a winning note," Shikhar Dhawan said.
Dhawan talked about PBKS skipper Mayank Agarwal. The southpaw said that he will support him and they will get along well.
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"Mayank is a great player and I am sure he will be great as a captain. I will provide support to him, he is a mature player, he is a senior guy. I enjoying his company, we will get along well," he said.
Dhawan said that he will miss playing under Ricky Ponting, who backed him, and now he will bring his experience to the table for PBKS. He further added that he would want to talk to youngsters, especially Rajangad Bawa and will share his knowledge with them.
"Coach has a big role, Ricky Ponting backed me, he is a great coach. I will miss him, I enjoyed playing under him. I had great time with Delhi Capitals. Everything has its own time. I have matured as a player, I will bring that to the table for Punjab Kings.
“You have to understand youngsters, you become mature after a little experience. Raj Bawa is there and I would like to meet him. I will talk to all the youngsters. I will share all my knowledge with them," he said.
Punjab Kings will open their account against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 27th March at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
(NDTV Sports inputs)
