SRH v PBKS, IPL 2023Shikhar Dhawan engages in batter with Harsha Bholge over viral 'strike rate' tweet

By India Today Sports DeskShikhar Dhawan has learned to take criticism in his stride in a celebrated career that has seen several ups and downs. On Sunday, April 9, Shikhar Dhawan made it a point to remind popular presenter Harsha Bhogle of his tweet which was critical of his strike rate in an earlier match in IPL 2023.

Shikhar Dhawan was named the Player of the Match even as Punjab Kings lost to SunRisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets in Hyderabad on Sunday, April 9. Dhawan was rewarded for his sensational knock of 99 not out as he single-handedly helped Punjab Kings post a competitive total of 143 after the former finalists were reduced to 88 for 9. Dhawan scored nearly 70 percent of his team’s total.

Dhawan was stranded on 99 not out even as he carried his bat in one of the finest knocks in T20 cricket. Dhawan hit 5 sixes and 12 boundaries and struck at 150 on a day when his teammates struggled to put bat to ball. Mayank Markande, who made his SRH debut, picked up 4 wickets before Rahul Tripathi hit a match-winning 74 to help the former champions get off the mark.

IPL 2023 Points Table

Notably, Harsha Bhogle had opined that Shikhar Dhawan’s strike rate during Punjab Kings’ win over Rajasthan Royals on April 5. Dhawan had hit 86 from just 56 balls after overcoming a slow start and Bholge said that the PBKS captain was anchoring at the start of his knock during the partnership with Prabhsimran Singh, who struck 60 off 34 deliveries.

“I didn’t expect that I’d reach there at the end of the game but I was playing according to the situation, still keeping positive and I hope you were happy with my strike rate as you tweeted something,” Dhawan said after bagging the Player of the Match award.

“Very happy with your strike rate, but that was a different game and different situation. I am glad that we are having this conversation,” Harsha Bhogle replied as the two had a bit of fun banter during the post-match ceremony.

Shikhar Dhawan had an opportunity to go for his 3rd IPL hundred but as he ran out of partners, he had to farm strike. In the final over bowled by T Natarajan, Shikhar denied singles 4 times and hit a six and took a double to remain stranded on 99 not out.

It was a fine knock that gave Punjab a respectable total, which in turn did not prove enough.

“I’m very very grateful for 99 because I never thought I’d reach there so I’m very happy,” Dhawan said.

Punjab Kings, who had begun IPL 2023 with 2 straight wins, dropped to the 6th spot after a crushing defeat in Hyderabad on Sunday. The former finalists will next face defending champions Gujarat Titans on April 13.