'He would like to prove that he is still the real Gabbar' - Irfan Pathan on Shikhar Dhawan's 2023 IPL campaign

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shikhar Dhawan has a point to prove in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhawan hit a match-winning knock against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in PBKS' second IPL 2023 encounter on Wednesday, April 5, in Guwahati.  

Ahead of the clash, Pathan said that Dhawan's form will be critical not just for the squad but also for the player himself. He also stated that Dhawan is a senior player who has been consistent in the IPL. He added that being in and out of the Indian team must have troubled him, and that's why he wants to show that he is still the real Gabbar of Indian cricket.

"Shikhar Dhawan is a senior player in IPL and has been very consistent with the bat too. He's a very powerful player who possesses a very strong mind. He has to prove himself as a captain this year, and for that, his batting is essential," Pathan told Star Sports ahead of the match between PBKS and RR.

"Being in and out of the Indian team must have bothered him, and that's why he would like to prove that he is still the real Gabbar of Indian cricket," he added.

PBKS beat RR by five runs in Guwahati

After being asked to bat first, Dhawan put on a 90-run opening stand with Prabhsimran Singh to set a 198-run target for RR. Dhawan struck an unbeaten 86 from 56 balls. His knock was studded with nine boundaries and three maximums. Prabhsimran, on the other hand, scored 60 from 34 balls, including seven fours and three sixes.

Nathan Ellis claimed a four-wicket haul and restricted Sanju Samson and Co. to 192/7. Shimron Hetmyer (36) and impact player Dhruv Jurel (32*) put on a dangerous 61-ball stand to lift Rajasthan from a 124/6 position and push them for a win. In the final over, RR needed 16, but Sam Curran's approach sealed the deal for Punjab. 

PBKS will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 9 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad. RR, on the other hand, will take on Delhi Capitals on April 8 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.