Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan on Saturday (March 19) hailed Team India’s new skipper Rohit Sharma as “gem of a person” and “a very helpful soul.”

Rohit took charge of India’s T20I and Test teams after Virat Kohli stepped down from the position. The Mumbaikar was also made the ODI captain as the BCCI sacked Kohli by stating that there should only be one leader in white-ball formats.

Sharma started his full-time captaincy stint with back to back series win over New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka in multiple formats.

“He is a gem of a person. He is chilled, relaxed, smart, and very approachable. That last bit (approachable) is his best quality. He reads the game very well. And he may be the captain now, but for those who know him, he’s the same Rohit. He is a very helpful soul. And another good quality in him, even if he has something hard to tell you, he will tell you in a manner that it won’t feel that way once he has," Dhawan told the Times of India.

Shikhar Dhawan will turn up for Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL 2022 season, starting March 26. The southpaw was picked by PBKS for INR 8.25 Crore at the mega-auction last month.

The 36-year-old is excited to be part of the new franchise as he believes having a connection with the fans for his Punjabi nature.

“Yes. I am happy to be part of Punjab Kings. I am a Punjabi boy, so of course, the connection is already strong. Like Delhi, Punjab is also home. From childhood, I have been fond of Punjabi songs. Being from a Punjabi family, I also speak the language.

“I believe the connection with the fans is already there. At the same time, it’s a good opportunity for both me and the team to make a strong statement in the IPL. We have a balanced team. We are going to have a great season," said Dhawan.