IPL 2024: Punjab Kings bowling coach Sunil Joshi reveals skipper Shikhar Dhawan's injury status ahead of Chennai clash

Franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been on a two-match winning streak and they pulled off the most memorable run chase against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Hence the team environment is quite upbeat. However, there has been one element of the bother which persists has been the injury cloud plaguing their regular captain, Shikhar Dhawan.

In the same vein, Kings' bowling coach Sunil Joshi provided the latest update on Dhawan's rehab and playing in their new home base in Dharamshala. Notably, PBKS will now shift to the picturesque venue for the upcoming reverse fixture to be played against CSK. Joshi lauded the ground's facilities along with the breathtaking location it was situated in. Besides, he informed that Dhawan will remain unavailable for the next game but remains hopeful of his getting back to the field in the last two games.

“The ground in Dharamsala is one of the best grounds in cricketing countries because of the location and the surface we get to play here. It’s a fantastic ground,” Joshi said during the pre-match press conference on (Saturday) April 4.

“Dhawan’s rehabilitation is on track. He is doing well. He is not available for the next game. Hopefully, he will be back for the final two games. Shikhar was also injured last year. He was playing well but Sam had to come up as captain because of his injury. Sam has come up as a leader yet again and he has stepped up with the team,” he further added.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Punjab Kings strongest predicted playing XI against Chennai Super Kings

What best we can do and how we can improve as a team: Joshi

Meanwhile, Sunil Joshi also touched upon the possibilities of the playoffs qualification along with the team's mindset in the camp. The former Indian spinner and PBKS bowling coach revealed that the players are only focussing on what best they can do with each upcoming IPL 2024 matches and how they can improve further as a unit. Notably, as the ongoing IPL season is approaching its business end, some stiff qualification scenarios will come into play and hence it becomes vital for PBKS to continue their winning rhythm when they clash with CSK in Dharamshala.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Shikhar Dhawan’s return date from injury confirmed ahead of PBKS’ upcoming clash

“The team conversations that we have had, our approach is to put in the best effort and to play to win the game. The table calculations will come on their own. We do not see that part very closely. What we look at is what are the areas we can do better, what we have not done over the past few games, what best we can do and how we can improve as a team. That is the conversation we have with the players,” he said.

“Our plan of action is to keep winning. The challenge is always with the bat and ball. It’s a good surface. I keep telling players to hold their horses and execute their skill,” Joshi concluded.