Punjab Kings will have to play their upcoming PBKS vs CSK IPL 2024 match this Sunday without their captain, Shikhar Dhawan. The experienced opener, who has scored 152 runs in five matches this season, has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury. However, Punjab Kings’ spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi has provided a major update on his return.
Will captain Shikhar Dhawan be available in PBKS vs CSK?
According to Joshi, Dhawan’s recovery is progressing well, but he won’t be available for the next game. He remarked, “His rehabilitation is on track. He’s doing well. He is not available for the next game. Hopefully, he will be back for the final two games.”
Despite the setback, PBKS is optimistic about Shikhar Dhawan’s return for the last three league matches. If all goes as planned, he could be back in action when Punjab Kings face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday.
In Dhawan’s absence, Sam Curran, the English all-rounder, has taken over the captaincy role. Joshi noted that this isn’t the first time Curran has stepped in due to Dhawan’s injury. He added, “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.”
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Punjab Kings on track in IPL 2024
Punjab Kings claimed a thrilling victory against Kolkata Knight Riders, chasing a record-breaking T20 total of 262. Following that, they secured another impressive win over Chennai Super Kings by chasing 163 runs with seven wickets in hand and 13 balls to spare. With these back-to-back wins, PBKS is set to face CSK once again at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Can Punjab Kings make it to IPL 2024 Playoffs?
However, Punjab Kings are on the brink of elimination from the IPL 2024 playoffs. They kicked off the season with a four-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in their new home at Mullanpur but then lost six of their next seven matches. To keep their playoff hopes alive, PBKS must win at least three out of their last four league games. The challenge is significant, but the Kings are determined to fight for a spot in the playoffs, aiming to repeat their runner-up finish in 2014.
