Chennai: Delhi Capitals star opener Shikhar Dhawan, who slammed a match-winning 92 off 49 balls against Punjab Kings on Sunday, has opened up on his conscious effort to improve his strike rate this season.
The 35-year-old has started the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League with a bang, with two half-centuries from three games. Dhawan’s strike rate has been highly impressive.
During their season-opener against Chennai Super Kings, Dhawan struck at 157.40 (scoring a 54-ball 85) whereas he soon followed it up with a stunning 49-ball 92, at a whopping 187.76, to lead Delhi to a comprehensive 6-wicket win against Punjab Kings.
“It was a conscious effort from my side. I knew I have to improve on the strike rate. Started taking more risks. Not afraid of changes, always open towards it,” Dhawan said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Delhi opener also said that he has also been working on his strokeplay. “Not scared of getting out as well. Have worked on a few shots. My slog shot has improved a lot. It was there earlier as well, but now I play it more freely. I’m more relaxed, having played for so many years. Don’t take things for granted,” Dhawan added.
He also expressed his delight in opening with the 21-year-old Prithvi Shaw. “Love batting with Prithvi, he made a huge impact, and that was great for our team. Today also, he took the pressure off me. Happy with the way he played today and scored those 30-40 runs (32),” the southpaw added.
Delhi Capitals will next be seen playing against defending champions Mumbai Indians on Tuesday (April 20).
