Shikhar Dhawan IPL Runs: A Journey of Consistency and Class

Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s premier openers, has established himself as one of the most reliable batsmen in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His impressive performances in the tournament have made him a fan favorite, and his consistency over the years has earned him a reputation as one of the most dependable batsmen in the competition.

Early Days in IPL

Dhawan made his IPL debut with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the inaugural season of the tournament in 2008. He had a lukewarm start, scoring just 340 runs in 14 matches at an average of 37.77. However, in the following season, he showed his true class, scoring 400 runs in 14 matches, including a knock of 95*.

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The Turning Point

The 2012 season proved to be a turning point in Dhawan’s IPL career. He was traded to the Deccan Chargers, and he made the most of the opportunity. In the season opener, he smashed an unbeaten 73* to guide his team to victory against the Chennai Super Kings. He went on to score 569 runs in 15 matches at an average of 40.64, earning the orange cap for being the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Shikhar Dhawan IPL runs, and consistent performances earned him a call-up to the Indian national team, and he went on to play a vital role in India’s victory in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

Shikhar Dhawan IPL Runs

Dhawan’s success in the IPL continued with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who bought him for a whopping INR 5.2 crore in the 2013 auction. In his first season with the team, he scored 311 runs in 10 matches at an average of 38.87, including three half-centuries. He played a crucial role in the team’s triumph in the 2016 edition of the tournament, scoring 501 runs in 17 matches at an average of 38.53.

In 2018, Dhawan returned to the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and he had another successful season, scoring 497 runs in 16 matches at an average of 38.23. He continued his fine form with the team in 2019, scoring 521 runs in 16 matches at an average of 34.73.

Move to PBKS

In the TATA IPL 2022 auction, Dhawan was bought by the Punjab Kings (now PBKS) for INR 8.25 crore, making him one of the most expensive players in the auction. In his debut season with the team, he had another successful campaign, scoring 460 runs in 14 matches at an average of 38.33.

Dhawan is the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the IPL, with 5784 runs to his name from 206 matches, just behind Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli. He has scored two centuries and 44 half-centuries in the tournament, at a strike rate of 126.35. His highest score in the IPL is 106*, which he scored twice, first with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2020, and then with the Delhi Capitals in 2021.

What Makes Dhawan a Successful IPL Batsman?

Dhawan’s success in the IPL can be attributed to his ability to play according to the situation. He is a versatile batsman who can play both attacking and defensive strokes with ease, depending on the match situation. He is an excellent player of spin bowling and can take on the best spinners in the tournament.

Dhawan’s best season in the IPL came in 2020 when he scored 618 runs in 17 matches with an average of 44.14, including two centuries and four half-centuries. His unbeaten 106 against Kings XI Punjab was a match-winning knock that helped his team reach the playoffs. Dhawan followed it up with another impressive season in 2021, scoring 587 runs in 16 matches with an average of 39.13, including three half-centuries. Dhawan’s consistent performances with the bat have earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable openers in the IPL.

Conclusion

Shikhar Dhawan’s IPL career has been nothing short of spectacular. He has been a consistent performer in the tournament since its inaugural season and has amassed 5784 runs in 206 matches with an average of 35.08, including two centuries and 44 half-centuries. Dhawan’s ability to score runs at a brisk pace and keep the scoreboard ticking has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable openers in the IPL.

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Dhawan’s move to the Punjab Kings is expected to bolster their batting unit, which has struggled to find consistency in the past few seasons. Dhawan’s experience and ability to score runs at the top of the order will be crucial to the Punjab Kings’ chances of winning the IPL title.