Shikhar Dhawan expresses excitement ahead of IPL 2022

Just days ahead of IPL 2022, Shikhar Dhawan has expressed his excitement about playing under his India teammate Mayank Agarwal. At the same time, the southpaw has also made it clear that he is also looking forward to taking up the responsibility of opening the innings alongside Agarwal for Punjab Kings should he get an opportunity.

Dhawan was roped in by the Punjab-based franchise for INR 8.25 crore at the IPL 2022 mega auction last month. He had an outstanding 2021 season where he amassed 587 runs from 16 matches representing the Delhi Capitals. Despite being in good form in the last two editions, he was released by DC.

It will be a big responsibility to open with Mayank Agarwal: Shikhar Dhawan

“I am looking very positive. Playing under Mayank will be good for me. We have a strong team; all youngsters are very good and talented. We hope we will do something big this time. Also if I get a chance to open with Mayank, then it will be so good for me because it will be a big responsibility, and I am ready to handle it”, said Dhawan as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Agarwal was Punjab Kings’ first-choice retention along with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh for IPL 2022. He has been offered a sum of INR 12 crore by the franchise and it has also been officially announced that the explosive opener would be leading them this season that gets underway on March 26.

Reportedly, India’s limited-overs skipper KL Rahul was PBKS’ first-choice captain, but he demanded his release for better prospects and the franchise obliged. Heading into the two-day event in Bengaluru last month, Punjab were yet to finalise their captain. However, they made the official announcement last month, naming Agarwal as their skipper.

With the captaincy responsibilities now handed over to Agarwal, he would be expected to take the team’s legacy forward as they eye a maiden IPL crown. Punjab Kings kick off their campaign against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Mumbai on March 27.