IPL 2024: Shikhar Dhawan to miss CSK clash but in contention for final two matches, confirms coach Sunil Joshi

Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowling coach Sunil Joshi has confirmed that captain Shikhar Dhawan will miss the side’s Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) contest against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday as he continues his rehab. Dhawan has not played for PBKS since hisside’snarrow defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 9 and continues to struggle with a shoulder injury. PBKS will be hoping for a win on Sunday,which will keeptheir Playoff hopes alive.

Shikhar Dhawan to miss CSK clash

“Shikhar, he’s under rehab, forthisgamehe isn’t available and is being monitored closely. Hopefully, he should be back for the last two games,” said Joshi in the pre-match press conference.

Dhawanso farhas scored 252 runs from five innings at an average of 30.40 and a strike rate of 125.61 with one fifty to his name. In his absence, Sam Curran has been handed the captain’s armband with hardly any change in fortune for the North Indian side. Theywill be hopingto have a change in fortune when they move to their second home in Dharamsala on Sundaywhichwill host its first match of the IPL 2024 season.

Despite Dhawan’s absence, the likes of Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh have made a name for themselveshavingled the charge with the bat.

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PBKS won only one match at their previous base in Mullanpurhavingbeaten Delhi Capitals on March 23. Theywill now be hopingto get a much-needed win against CSK to keep their Playoff hopes alive. Currently, on eight points from 10 matches, PBKS have fourmatchesin hand and will probably need to win all their matches to stand a Playoff chance.

After CSK, PBKs face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) before taking on IPL 2024 leaders Rajasthan Royals before rounding off the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 19.