Playing his first IPL match after more than five years, Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder Rishi Dhawan on Monday (April 25) caught everyone’s attention for the safety shield he wore while bowling in the game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Dhawan was seen sporting the safety shield as he recently underwent surgery for his nose injury sustained during the Ranji Trophy 2022.

It was because of the surgery that the 32-year-old missed PBKS’ initial matches in the season. However, he is now raring to go and help his team climb up the IPL 2022 ladder.

Notably, Punjab Kings are struggling in the ongoing IPL season, having won only three out of their first seven matches.

Ahead of the clash against CSK, Punjab Kings shared a video on Twitter, in which Rishi Dhawan opened up on his injury and the comeback.

“I am making an IPL comeback after 4 years so it was a little disheartening when I got injured in the Ranji Trophy. I had to go through surgery which ruled me out of the first four matches, but I’m totally fine and available for selection now. I’ve been training hard and hope to have a strong comeback,” he said in the video.

“It was absolutely a low phase for me because, I’d worked so hard to make a comeback and I finally got a chance in the IPL after 4 years. I performed well in domestic cricket. I tried continuously for 3-4 years to make a comeback so I was a little scared wondering whether I’d miss out on playing due to my injury," he added.