IPL 2023: Somebody as experienced as him, knows how to pace the innings and he did exactly that – Wasim Jaffer on Shikhar Dhawan’s knock

Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer showered praise on Shikhar Dhawan for his fine knock of 86 runs off just 56 balls against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday. Dhawan played a key role in helping the visitors post a par score of 197 runs on the board after Sanju Samson won the toss and decided to bowl first.

In fact, Dhawan meandered to run-a-ball 30 but changed gears in the second phase of the innings. Dhawan scored his next 56 runs off just 26 balls, with his reverse sweep shots giving him good returns.

The left-hander made the most of his experience and he was able to finish strongly for PBKS. The veteran scored nine fours and two sixes in his fine knock for the Mohali-based franchise.

PBKS batting coach Wasim Jaffer said during the post-match press conference: “I think Prabhsimran was going so well, so Dhawan knew that he could take his time, so he played the second fiddle, so that is where experience counts. When Prabhsimran got out, he took charge and then batted through the innings.”

“We wanted one of the top three to bat until the 18th-19th over, and he did exactly that. He picked up his strike rate, it was a lot better in the second half. Somebody as experienced as him, knows how to pace the innings and he did exactly that.”

On the other hand, Jaffer also heaped praise on Prabhsimran Singh, who scored a quickfire knock of 60 runs off just 34 balls. The right-hander took the attack on the opposition from the get-go and helped PBKS post 63 runs in the PowerPlay overs. Jaffer confirmed that Prabhsimran will get a consistent run in the playing XI.

“Apart from this season, Prabhsimran Singh did not get a consistent run, because of various reasons, like we had Bairstow, KL, and then Mayank was also there before. So this time around, he could get a consistent run and he has been a fabulous player, But, no matter how good you are, you need a little consistent run. So, he can play a lot more fearlessly.”

Punjab Kings will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday.