IPL 2023: “My Decision Backfired” – Shikhar Dhawan Accepts Blame as Punjab Kings Stumble Against Delhi Capitals
Punjab Kings' captain Shikhar Dhawan shared his thoughts on the team's performance after 15-run loss against Delhi.
Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab Kings, reflected on the team’s performance after their gut-wrenching 15-runs defeat at the hands of already eliminated Delhi Capitals in the 64th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
The loss in this match dealt a significant blow to Punjab Kings’ chances of progressing to the play-offs, with captain Shikhar Dhawan attributing the loss to his own batting performance and his decision to entrust Harpreet Brar with the final over in the first innings.
Delhi Capitals’ batting prowess was on full display as they posted a mammoth total of 213 runs for the loss of two wickets. Punjab Kings, buoyed by an exceptional knock from Liam Livingstone, who scored a scintillating 94 runs off 48 balls, made a valiant attempt to chase the target but ultimately reached 198 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
Speaking in the post-match conference, here’s what Shikhar Dhawan said:
“It was frustrating, but I don’t think we bowled well in the first six overs. We should have taken some wickets the way the ball was moving around,” said Dhawan, whose bowlers allowed the out-of-form Shikhar Dhawan and Delhi Capitals skipper David Warner to stitch together a 94-run partnership.”
My decision to give final over to Harpreet Brar backfired: Shikhar Dhawan
The 37-year-old further admitted that his decision to hand the ball to Harpreet Brar for the final over proved costly, as the spinner ended up giving away 23 runs, which included two wide deliveries.
“Even my decision to bowl a spinner (Brar) last over back-fired. And before that the fast bowlers didn’t pitch the ball up in the powerplay. That was the plan but we didn’t execute. It is hurting us.”
Punjab Kings could secure a mere six victories out of the total 13 matches played so far in the tournament, suffering defeat in seven games. Their hopes of qualifying for the play-offs have nearly vanished, with their current position at the bottom half of the points table.
