WILL SHIKHAR DHAWAN PLAY AGAINST CSK IN DHARAMSALA? PBKS SPIN BOWLING COACH SUNIL JOSHI GIVES A MAJOR UPDATE
NEW DELHI: Sunil Joshi, the spin bowling coach of the Punjab Kings, shed light on his team's affinity for playing IPL matches in Dharamsala, where they are set to face the formidable Chennai Super Kings. Despite the challenging nature of facing a five-time champion team like CSK, Joshi emphasized the unique advantages that Dharamsala offers to his side.
Dharamsala's picturesque setting and high-altitude conditions provide a distinct advantage for spinners, given the slower nature of the pitches and the additional grip they offer. This plays into the strengths of the Punjab Kings' spin bowling arsenal, allowing them to exploit the conditions effectively and potentially gain an edge over their opponents.
With two consecutive wins under their belt, the Punjab Kings will look to maintain their momentum and make the most of their familiarity with Dharamsala as they take on the challenge posed by the Chennai Super Kings in what promises to be an exhilarating encounter on Sunday.
"The ground in Dharamsala is one of the best grounds in cricketing countries because of the location and the surface we get to play here. It's a fantastic ground," Joshi said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
Punjab defeated Kolkata Knight Riders, chasing down the world T20 record total of 262 last week. Earlier this week, the Kings picked a big win over the Chennai Super Kings, chasing 163 with 7 wickets in hand and 13 balls to spare.
Joshi, expressing confidence in his team's recent successes and positive mindset, revealed that the Kings will maintain continuity by sticking with the same playing combination for their upcoming match.
"No, we do not think we will be making any changes. Because we want to keep up the winning squad," he said.
Joshi also provided an update on skipper Shikhar Dhawan's injury status, indicating that Dhawan's absence has necessitated a temporary leadership shift. However, Joshi praised the English all-rounder Sam Curran for stepping up and effectively assuming the leadership role in Dhawan's stead.
"Dhawan's rehabilitation is on track. He is doing well. He is not available for the next game. Hopefully, he will be back for the final two games. 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," Joshi said
The tournament has reached a stage where all the teams are fighting to grab the top four spots and confirm a spot in the playoffs. Joshi insisted his side is focused on getting the right results and is not too focused on the points table calculations.
"The team conversations that we have had, our approach is to put in the best effort and to play to win the game. The table calculations will come on its own. We do not see that part very closely. What we look at is what are the areas we can do better, what we have not done over the past few games, what best we can do and how we can improve as a team. That is the conversation we have with the players," he said.
"Our plan of action is to keep winning. The challenge is always with the bat and ball. It's a good surface. I keep telling players to hold their horses and execute their skill," he added.
(With ANI inputs)