IPL2024: Sunil Joshi confirms that PBKS will not have Shikhar Dhawan, yet KKR will face more pressure

The Indian Premier League season has not been the finest for the Punjab Kings (PBKS). So far this season, PBKS has only won two of its eight games.

Their problems have been made worse by captain Shikhar Dhawan’s absence. After suffering a shoulder injury during PBKS’s encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, the attractive opener has missed three games.

At the pre-match press conference, spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi confirmed that PBKS will play the in-form Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Friday without Dhawan. Joshi also gave the assurance that Dhawan is on a recovery path and might play against the Chennai Super Kings next.

“We miss Shikhar Dhawan’s batting talents since he sustained an injury on the ground. He’s headed toward recovery. He batted at the nets, as we observed. Joshi said, “Hopefully, he is getting better and will be ready for the next game.

With five victories in their previous seven games, KKR seems to be a formidable opponent this season. However, Sunil Joshi believes PBKS will be prepared for the task.

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“We are not worried about the spin bowling of the KKR. One of the greatest leagues in the world, the Indian Premier League, challenges every cricket player who visits. The challenge must be accepted. You need to be prepared whether you want to perform or not. Every day is unique and presents a new set of difficulties. Your body experiences variations. We believe we’re prepared for tomorrow,” he said.

It’s critical to realize that every squad will have victories and defeats. Our goal is to get back up. In this abbreviated version of the game, you may earn a six off the best ball or get dismissed for a loose ball.

It all relies on how well you prepare your body and how at ease you are emotionally on game day. Your body may not react well every time you are under pressure to perform. Joshi said, “You have to play one ball at a time and maintain your composure.

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Joshi believes the onus will be on the home team, despite the fact that KKR has only lost one of their previous four home games.

Phase-by-phase, we cover a lot of ground in our training sessions. We need to become better at avoiding losing too many wickets in the middle overs. Now that we are traveling once again, perhaps the onus is on the home team. Joshi said, “So we can play freely and score runs.”

KCR has been doing well in each of the three areas on a regular basis. The team with the most points in all three departments will win. Respect for that is required. But each game is unique on a daily basis. Playing both at home and abroad presents different situations, and several factors are important. Thus, hopefully, tomorrow’s game will go well for us,” he said.

Joshi said, “We are a team,” when asked how Punjab’s international players were doing. Either we win or we lose as a team. The team accepts the situation head-on and goes on, win or lose by one run or wicket.