Why is Shikhar Dhawan not playing today's PBKS vs GT IPL 2024 match?
Shikhar Dhawan is missing his third consecutive game as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 in Mullanpur on Sunday, April 21. The 38-year-old PBKS skipper sustained a shoulder injury during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9.
The southpaw recently missed two games against Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. Unfortunately, Punjab lost both these games in close affairs.
At the toss, PBKS stand-in captain Sam Curran said:
"Shikhar is still not alright."
PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin recently provided an update on Dhawan's fitness. He was quoted as saying by The Times of India in a press conference:
"It's difficult to replace someone like Shikhar. He's one of the most successful openers in the IPL. He has done it for many years and was starting to get his rhythm back before the unfortunate injury to his shoulder."
He added:
"We would like him back as soon as we can. He is an experienced head at the top of the order, so we're hoping that he is available for selection soon."
Shikhar Dhawan has amassed 152 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 125.62 in IPL 2024 so far. Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, and Sam Curran failed to deliver as openers in his absence in the last two games.
Dhawan had earlier missed three games due to an injury last season.
PBKS opt to bowl against GT in IPL 2024 match
PBKS captain Sam Curran won the toss and elected to bowl against GT on Sunday. The all-rounder backed his team to return to winning ways as Punjab fielded an unchanged side. He said:
"We are gonna bat first. Third time we have used this pitch, excited to put pressure on the Gujarat bowlers first up and put a good score on the board."
Curran continued:
"Any team can beat anyone. We know if we turn up with right plans and attitude we can win. It's about our overseas players taking more responsibility and helping the Indian players."
Meanwhile, GT made a solitary change as Azmatullah Omarzai replaced Spencer Johnson after recovering from a niggle. The change came as GT lost to Delhi Capitals by six wickets in their last game.
Follow the PBKS vs GT IPL 2024 match live score and updates here.