IPL 2021 | Strike-Rate Improvement a Conscious effort, Not Afraid of Getting Out Either: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan played a magnificent 49-ball knock of 92 to power Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket win against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

His innings made it easy for the Capitals to chase down a daunting target of 196 and after the match, Dhawan said that his improved scoring rate in recent times is a result of his conscious effort to take more risks.

“It was a conscious effort from my side and I started taking more risks. I’m not afraid of changes,” he said at the post match presentation.

“I’m always open towards changes and I make sure I give it a good try in the nets and then in the games. I’m not scared of getting out as well. I’ve worked on the leg-side shots, coming in the crease, using the pace of the bowler,” he added.

On being asked about how he plans to pace his innings, Dhawan said that it depends on the bowling changes made by the opposition and what plans he has made to tackle them.

“Depends who’s bowling and what plans I make for them. My slog shot has improved. It was there before as well, but now it’s more. I’m very relaxed these days. I’ve played for so many years, if I’m not relaxed at this time, then when? I’m relaxed but also attentive,” Dhawan quipped.

The 35-year-old also said that he feels great to bat with an energetic youngster like Prithvi Shaw. The young batsman got the Capitals off to a quick start in this match as he smashed 32 off just 17 deliveries.

“It’s very good batting with Shaw, we made a huge impact and that was great for our team,” Dhawan said.

The southpaw’s season strike-rate went over 135 for the first time in IPL 2018 and he maintained the same in 2019 too. He made himself even better in 2020 as he recorded 618 runs at a strike-rate of 144.73. Now, after three matches in this season, his strike-rate reads 163.15 and he has two fifties to his name as well.

Delhi Capitals have now registered two wins in the three matches they have played thus far in this season. They will lock horns with Mumbai Indians in their next match at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.