Mumbai: Punjab Kings all-rounder Rishi Dhawan, who was playing his first Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 match after a long gap of almost six years, grabbed everyone’s attention by sporting a special face shield while bowling against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.
The 32-year-old Dhawan was picked by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2022 mega auction for Rs 55 Lakh after his impressive performance in the domestic circuit with Himachal Pradesh. He was outstanding with both bat and ball in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and led his stateside to their first-ever domestic title in December last year.
Despite finishing his bowling spell well with figures of 4-0-39-2, the conversation on social media widely revolved around his face shield. The reason Dhawan was wearing protective face gear is due to an old injury that he sustained in the Ranji Trophy.
The 32-year-old got hit during the second round of fixtures and was also taken to the hospital for scans. He further underwent surgery after being hit. This is the reason why Dhawan is understood to be wearing the mask while bowling. Due to this reason, he also missed the first four matches for Punjab Kings in IPL 2022.
Sher shikaar karna kabhi bhulta nahi! 🦁#SaddaPunjab #IPL2022 #PunjabKings #ਸਾਡਾਪੰਜਾਬ #PBKSvCSK pic.twitter.com/ZHfGBP9cgh
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 25, 2022
Recently speaking through PBKS’ social media handle, he said “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.”
What's more dangerous than a lion? 𝘼 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣. #SherSquad, tune in to this video to find out the reason behind @rishid100's initial absence & how he is all set for a roaring comeback now 👊#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #IPL2022 #ਸਾਡਾਪੰਜਾਬ #RishiDhawan pic.twitter.com/mnKKULSSrz
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 24, 2022
Dhawan last played an IPL match in 2016 for the then Kings XI Punjab and returned to the league after 5 seasons for the same side. He was a part of the Punjab squad, which had reached the finals in the 2014 edition.
“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. But this happens in cricket. Sometimes we’re happy and other times we’re sad. My experience has helped me realize that there will be ups and downs,” the seamer added.
