Shikhar Dhawan to join Kings XI Punjab: The Indian opener might move towards the North of the country for the next season of the IPL.
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Dashing Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan is expected to join Kings XI Punjab for the upcoming 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-handed superstar from Delhi is part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad currently, as the Hyderabad franchise bought him for Rs 5.2 crore.
The Times of India reports reveal that the 32-year-old could see his salary double playing for the Priety Zinta-owned franchise. Moreover, the trade is expected to be a swap deal, with Karun Nair, who was bought for Rs 5.6 crore by KXIP, expected to make the move to SunRisers Hyderabad.
There has been a lot of speculation about the Delhi’s batsman future at the SunRisers Hyderabad, with Dhawan being a part of their squad for all the seasons since the franchises’ inaugural season in 2013.
The Mumbai Mirror reported that the 32-year-old is unhappy with the 2016 IPL champions, and was linked to move to the Mumbai Indians. The move to Mumbai Indians could have been a delight for Indian fans with Dhawan partnering Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. However, with a move to KXIP likely, we might see the Delhi batsman opening with KL Rahul.
An official release is yet to be made regarding Dhawan’s future at SunRisers Hyderabad in the upcoming few weeks. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians have already added South Africa’s dashing opener Quinton de Kock to their squad, who was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Mumbai Indians have also released international bowlers in Mustafizur Rahman and Akila Dananjaya, with the auction for the 12th edition of the IPL nearing.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the auction is likely to be held in Goa on 16th of December, while other franchises are also expected to confirm their released or transferred players ahead of the auction.
Reports also suggest that SunRisers Hyderabad might release star batsman Manish Pandey, who could not make amends for his huge price tag of 11 crore. Pandey could only score 284 runs in 13 innings, before he was ultimately dropped from the playing XI.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals’ Jaydev Unadkat is also likely to be released, as he could only pick 11 wickets after being bought for 11.5 Crores by the Jaipur franchise.
Read some of the latest Twitter reactions on Shikhar Dhawan below:
Congratulations my brother @SDhawan25 and Bhabi #Aesha for you home decor brand #Daonehome wish you guys lots of success 🤗 pic.twitter.com/PZGD98CjAi
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 23, 2018
#INDvWI After 10 overs, India are 49/2 with Virat Kohli not out on 13 and Ambati Rayudu 2.
Earlier, Kemar Roach removed Rohit Sharma for 4 while Ashley Nurse accounted for Shikhar Dhawan for 29. pic.twitter.com/MWiDR09qLM
— WIPA (@wiplayers) October 24, 2018
India batting first. Watch out for @ImRo45 @SDhawan25 @imVkohli We are in for another mouth watering innings by these gentlemens. #INDvWI Hope to see a competitive match not as Indian but as cricket lover point of view. 👍
— amir hussain (@Iam_amir86) October 24, 2018
Review successful for West Indies. India lost their 2nd wicket. Shikhar Dhawan LBW OUT for 29 runs. #IndiaVsWestIndies #INDvWI
2nd ODI— Tanisha Gupta (@Tanisha2409) October 24, 2018
